An examination of HIV-risk behaviors among university students in Trinidad: Testing the information-motivation-behavioral skills model

The current study utilized the Information Motivation Behavioral Skills (IMB) model (Fisher & Fisher, 1992) as a framework to investigate HIV risk behaviors among a sample of university students in Trinidad. The Caribbean ranks second in the world in terms of HIV rates, and although a relatively small island, the rates of HIV infection in Trinidad are of grave proportions. This research examined their existing level of HIV/AIDS knowledge, their motivation to practice safer sex, and their perceived behavioral skills at engaging in HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors. Further, this study also sought to test the fit of the IMB model to the data for this sample of Trinidadian university students. A sample of 90 sexually active participants were selected for purposes of this study and were recruited from various classes at the University of the West Indies located in Trinidad. The findings revealed that the IMB model did fit the data for this sample. However, the information variable was found to not be related to any of the model variables. Motivation on the other hand was found to be the strongest predictor of some of the preventive behaviors. Cultural examinations revealed that there were moderately high levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, low condom use and HIV testing, and somewhat positive attitudes toward preventive acts among the participants. Exploratory analyses also revealed significant gender differences. The implications of this study for its contribution to the continued effort to understand the reasons behind the growing prevalence of HIV/AIDS are also discussed.