Self-efficacy and perceived benefits / barriers on the AIDs preventive behaviors

Background: Drug users (opiate dependency) account for about 65% of all AIDS cases in Iran. Drug injection has been identified as the most common way of HIV transmission in these patients. This study aimed to determine self-efficacy, and perceived benefits / barriers of AIDs preventive behaviors in opiate dependency.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009.The study population was 86 drug user men at Re-birth association in Zarandieh city. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires includeing demographic characteristics, perceived benefits/barriers of self-efficacy and AIDS preventive behaviors. Data was analyzed with ANOVA, regression and correlation coefficients and descriptive statistical methods.

Results: Regression analysis showed that age, education level, knowledge and perceived benefits/barriers, self-efficacy, all together explain 28% of AIDS preventive behaviors variance.  Perceived barriers and self- efficacy were the most important predicting factor. 63% of the samples believed that they have ability of HIV-preventive behaviors.

Conclusion: The study showed the relationship of perceived benefits/barriers, self- efficacy with AIDS preventive behaviors. It is suggested that the findings of this study may be used as a basis for designing interventions to improve better performance in the concerned area.