HIV Risk Behavior Following HIV Testing Experienced by College Students: A Mixed Methods Analysis

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138

College Students; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS); Risk; Student Behavior; Diagnostic Tests; Student Attitudes; World Views; Sexual Orientation; Behavior Change

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The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study was to explore HIV risk perception, the meaning of HIV testing, and HIV risk behavior among college students following a negative HIV test. An extended version of the theoretical framework of the health belief model (HBM) aided in the exploration of college students' perceptions of HIV, rationales for HIV risk behavior, and the meaning they attached to HIV testing. Following the sequential explanatory mixed methods design, the initial phase involved collecting quantitative data to assess HIV risk perception among college students who received a negative HIV test in the last 12 months. In the second phase, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was applied to gather data through individual semi-structured interviews to help explain HIV risk behavior in the context of HIV testing. Findings indicated that college students' perception of their HIV risk is aligned with their risk behavior. Results showed a statistically significant difference in HIV risk perception based on sexual orientation. Before HIV testing, college students justified their HIV risk behavior based on partner trust, not wanting to feel restrained, and acting on the need to fulfill their desire, lust, or temptation. After receiving a negative HIV test result, college students still experienced fear of contracting HIV. However, some students became more cautious and adopted preventive measures, while others continued with previous behavior patterns. Implications of the research findings include examining risk perception across college students of different sexual orientations to understand the impact of risk perception in HIV testing and exploring the differing needs of college students to remain HIV-negative. Participants recommended that colleges address access to free HIV testing, increase information dissemination regarding HIV risk and HIV testing services, and continue research that explores college students' lived experiences regarding HIV testing and risk behavior. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

As Provided

2024

ED654208