Condom and Hormonal Contraceptive Use by Young Women: An Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Assessment

The current study was a test of the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model (J. D. Fisher & Fisher, 2000) regarding hormonal contraceptive use, condom use, and dual protection (i.e., the 2 simultaneously). Two-hundred and 67 sexually active women between the ages of 17 and 22 were recruited in 1st year undergraduate classes. Regression results provided support for the IMB model; particularly the impact of motivational constructs (i.e., subjective norms and preventive attitudes) and behavioural skills were consistent predictors of behaviour. Although information, per se, was not a strong predictor of behavioural skills and did not predict behaviour directly, measurement caveats with the information measure prevent more definitive conclusions. The results of this study support the IMB model as a paradigm for explaining and predicting sexual health behaviour of young women. Implications for sexual health interventions are an increased focus on psychological variables in the IMB model, such as the development of positive attitudes and self efficacy along with the understanding of the personal benefits in engaging in dual-protective behaviours with regard to prevention of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.