Justify your love: testing an online STI-risk communication intervention designed to promote condom use and STI-testing

Psychol Health. 2011 Feb;26(2):205-21. doi: 10.1080/08870446.2011.531575.

Abstract

The efficacy of a tailored, web-based intervention communicating the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STI) for heterosexual young adults was examined in a randomised, controlled trial. The main aims of the relationship-oriented intervention were to influence risk perceptions and to promote (maintenance of) condom use and STI-testing among young adults who reported being recently engaged in a heterosexual relationship. The intervention addressed risk perceptions, attitudes, normative beliefs, self-efficacy and skills related to condom use and STI-testing. Outcomes were compared immediately after the intervention (N = 171) and 3 months later (N = 115) to a non-tailored intervention group and to a control group. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes showed that the tailored intervention was efficacious in influencing perceived susceptibility to STI and STI-testing intentions immediately after the intervention, and in reducing rates of unprotected sex at 3 months.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Health Promotion / standards
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Netherlands
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult