The impact of knowledge, self-efficacy, and stigma on STI testing intention among college students

Objective Young people represent over half of the new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year in the United States. This study examined how STI knowledge, self-efficacy, and stigma impact STI testing intention among sexually active college students using path model analysis.Participants:Participants included 76 college students (74.1% undergraduate,M-age= 23.05).Method:Data were collected via online survey. Path analysis was conducted using SPSS AMOS, and MacKinnon'sabproduct approach inRMediation was used to test mediating effects.Results:The hypothesized path model fit the data well and the relationships between self-efficacy and knowledge, stigma, and STI testing intention were significant. Mediation analysis revealed significant indirect paths for knowledge and stigma on STI testing intention through self-efficacy.Conclusion:Findings suggest that college health providers may be able to increase the frequency of STI testing behavior by promoting strategies to increase students' self-efficacy.