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Determinants of getting tested for sexually transmitted infections among late adolescent women in the United States

Alyssa Lederer , Callie Patterson Perry

Abstract

Background: Individuals ages 15 to 24 years old are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, and young women face severe health consequences if STIs are left undiagnosed. Yet STI testing rates in this priority population remain low. Few studies incorporate health behavior theory to examine factors associated with STI testing among young women in the United States, which is vital for intervention development. This study therefore sought to identify the determinants of college-enrolled late adolescent women’s intention to be tested for common STIs in the next 12 months using a theory-based approach. Methods: Female-identified students at a large Midwestern university completed an online survey about STIs (N=171). Hierarchical multiple regression was used to assess the relationship between the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) global constructs of attitude, perceived norm, and perceived behavioral control, supplemented by STI knowledge, STI stigma, and STI shame, on STI testing intention. Results: Findings indicate that the RAA global constructs predicted STI testing intention (p < .001), with perceived norm making the largest contribution. Neither STI knowledge, stigma, nor shame were significantly associated with STI testing intention. Conclusions: Future interventions aimed at increasing STI testing among young women should focus on beliefs underlying the RAA global constructs and especially young women’s beliefs regarding other people’s support for getting tested for STIs.

SH24071  Accepted 27 January 2025

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