Psychological and situational factors relevant to HIV antibody testing among college students

• Main Author: Gillham, Christine L.
• Other Authors: Ball State University. Institute for Wellness.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: HIV antibodies > Testing.; College students > Psychology.; Ball State University > Students > Psychology.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/184475; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/834640

The purpose of this study was to assess which particular circumstances of HIV antibody testing are most important to Ball State University students when making the decision whether or not to be tested. This study also looked at psychological variables within the individual that may influence one's decision whether or not to be tested. A descriptive correlational study design was used. Subjects were recruited from the psychological science subject pool. These students were enrolled in the Psychology 100 class at Ball State University during the Spring, 1992 Semester. Subjects were also recruited from sororities, fraternities, and business fraternities. A total of 397 subjects (210 males and 187 females) were recruited for the study.Subjects filled out four surveys: an HIV Antibody Testing Inventory, an AIDS Knowledge Survey, the MultiDimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Social Desirability Scale. Results indicated students in this sample preferred going off campus for HIV testing versus on campus. They preferred a medical setting with a medical counselor doing the testing. These subjects did not want peers doing the HIV testing or counseling. The level of AIDS Knowledge subject had did not correlate with their stated likelihood of being tested for HIV. Subjects preferred anonymous testing, but appeared to recognize the benefits of recording basic demographic information. === Institute for Wellness