Determinants of Risky HIV/AIDS Behavior among Early Adolescents in Sidoarjo District
Iryani Yuni Yastutik*(1), Ani Margawarti(1), Zahroh Shaluhiyah(1), Ayun Sriatmi(1)

*Corresponden Author
1. Faculty of Public Health Sciences, Diponegoro University

Abstract

Background: Adolescents remain one of the most vulnerable groups to HIV/AIDS due to a combination of developmental, social, and environmental factors. Risky behaviors such as early sexual initiation, inconsistent condom use, multiple partnerships, and drug use are strongly linked to HIV transmission. Understanding the predictors of such behaviors is essential to design effective interventions. Methods: This study employed a quantitative survey design involving 150 adolescent respondents. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure risky HIV/AIDS behavior, self-efficacy, peer influence, parental communication, and access to drugs. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to assess the relationships between predictor variables and risky HIV/AIDS behavior. Theoretical underpinnings were drawn from Social Cognitive Theory and the Health Belief Model. Results: The findings revealed that self-efficacy had a significant negative effect on risky HIV/AIDS behavior, indicating that adolescents with stronger confidence in their ability to refuse risk were less likely to engage in unsafe practices. Conversely, peer influence showed a significant positive effect, highlighting the role of social networks in encouraging or discouraging risk behaviors. Parental communication and access to drugs were not statistically significant, though their theoretical importance suggests potential indirect effects. Discussion: The results support both Social Cognitive Theory and the Health Belief Model by demonstrating that individual cognitive factors and social contextual influences jointly shape adolescent risk-taking behavior. The nonsignificant findings on parental communication and drug access may reflect cultural dynamics or require more nuanced measurement. Conclusion: This study concludes that enhancing adolescent self-efficacy and reshaping peer norms are central strategies for reducing HIV/AIDS vulnerability. Preventive programs should integrate peer-led interventions and self-efficacy training while also exploring innovative approaches to strengthen family dialogue and limit environmental risk factors.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, risky behavior, self-efficacy, peer influence, parental communication, adolescents

Topic: Public Health Sciences