The Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model Revisited: A Network-Perspective Structural Equation Model Within a Public Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Sample of Hazardous Alcohol Users

Abstract

The information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model is useful for understanding sexual risk behavior, but has not been tested with hazardously-drinking sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic patients, a subpopulation at greater HIV risk, or with a network-perspective sexual risk behavior outcome. Participants (N = 569) were STI clinic patients who screened positive for hazardous drinking and risky sexual behavior. Sexual risk behavior (SRB) was operationalized as a latent variable with three indicators: (1) number of sexual partners, (2) number of unprotected sex occasions with primary partner, and (3) number of unprotected sex occasions with non-primary partner(s). Preliminary analyses suggested SRB was best operationalized as a latent variable with two indicators, while unprotected sex with primary partners should be considered separately. In structural models with good fit, the IMB model was generally supported. The IMB model functioned differently for non-primary and multiple partners compared to primary partners in STI clinic patients with hazardous alcohol use.

Predictors of condom use behavior among men who have sex with men in China using a modified information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model

“…Motivation also indirectly contributed to condom use mediated by behavioral skills. Individuals with a positive personal attitude towards condom use and higher subjective norms and intentions regarding condom use were more likely to show more positive motivation to use condoms [12, 13, 20]. It is easy to understand the relationship between a positive attitude and condom use.…”

“…It is easy to understand the relationship between a positive attitude and condom use. The subjective norm represented the perceptions of social referents and motivation to comply, which could affect HIV prevention intentions and behaviors [11, 12, 17, 20]. However, previous studies suggested that motivation had a direct effect on condom use among male street laborers [20] and STI clinic patients [12].…”

“…The subjective norm represented the perceptions of social referents and motivation to comply, which could affect HIV prevention intentions and behaviors [11, 12, 17, 20]. However, previous studies suggested that motivation had a direct effect on condom use among male street laborers [20] and STI clinic patients [12]. Behavioral skills contributed to condom use directly, which revealed that individuals who displayed better skills in preparation, negotiation and practice were more likely to engage in HIV prevention behavior [20].…”

“…Evidence shows that new public health and/or health-promotion interventions based on social and behavioral science theories are more effective than those lacking a theoretical framework [9], this is because these interventions are tailored towards addressing the identified predictors of the health behavior of interest. Specifically, the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model has been found to significantly predict condom use among MSM [10], female sex workers [11], people attending sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics [12], and students [13]. Consequently, interventions designed along IMB constructs have been found to increase condom use among MSM [14], HIV-infected patients [15], and students [16].…”

Addressing Missed Opportunities for HIV Testing by Including Rapid HIV Self-testing Kits with Patient-Delivered Partner Therapy

“…The IMB model posits that individuals must be highly informed, motivated, and behaviorally skilled to initiate HIV prevention behaviors (Fisher & Fisher, 1992). This model has been well tested and empirically supported for HIV prevention with STI clinic patients (John, Walsh, & Weinhardt, 2016; Walsh, Senn, Scott-Sheldon, Vanable, & Carey, 2011); thus, the IMB model was used as a framework for data presentation. To assist with reader interpretation, each quote in the results section was labeled with the participant’s age, race/ethnicity (B = Black or African American; W = White; M = Multicultural), and gender (M = man; W = woman) in that order within their abbreviation.…”