Belief Associated With Screening Participation for Sexually Transmitted Infections and Blood-Borne Infections in Secondary 4 and 5 Students

Abstract

Introduction: In Quebec, in recent years, a steady rise in cases of chlamydia and a rapid grow of cases of gonorrhoea among young people aged 15 to 24 years have been observed. Asymptomatic screening for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) is one way to prevent their spread. However, despite the accessibility of STBBI screening services, including in school settings, the participation rate of young people aged 15 to 24 remains modest. Objective: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, identify beliefs that predict the intention of secondary 4 and 5 students to consult with the school nurse to participate in STBBI screening. Method: 294 students in Secondary 4 and 5 completed a self-administered questionnaire that included the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior, in addition to the moral norm and the anticipated regret. Results: The results of the multiple regression analyses show that 5 beliefs are more related to the intention of youth to participate in an STBBI screening activity: "being reassured (if I don't have an STBBI)", "wasting my time", "the support of people important to me", "fear of having an STBBI" and "being shy". Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that a communication strategy targeting 5 specific beliefs could increase the intention of the secondary 4 and 5 youth to participate in an STBBI screening activity.