Korean J Adult Nurs.  2016 Aug;28(4):482-490. 10.7475/kjan.2016.28.4.482.

Gender Difference in Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy for the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) among College Students' STD Knowledge, Susceptibility, and Sexual Autonomy

• Park M

• KMID: 2351411
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2016.28.4.482

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of self-efficacy in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), knowledge of and susceptibility to STD, and the role of gender in sexual autonomy.
METHODS
Data were collected from 267 college students using self-report questionnaires during the period from the first to the twentieth of June 2015. Data were analyzed using χ² test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients, simple and multiple regression techniques with the PASW/WIN 20.0 program. Mediation analysis was performed according to the Baron and Kenny method and Sobel test.
RESULTS
In male students, self-efficacy for STD prevention showed a full mediating effect in the relationship between STD susceptibility and sexual autonomy (β=-.08, p=.370). But in female students, it had a partial mediating effect (β=-.25, p=.001). And self-efficacy for STD prevention showed partial mediating effects in the relationship between knowledge of STD and sexual autonomy in the both male (β=.25, p=.005) and female students (β=.33, P<.001).
CONCLUSION
To enhance college students' sexual autonomy, it may be useful to build effective strategies enhancing students' knowledge about and susceptibility to STD and to develop a self-efficacy promotion program for college students.

MeSH Terms

Disease Susceptibility
Female
Humans
Male
Methods
Negotiating*
Personal Autonomy
Sexually Transmitted Diseases*