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, Mage = 23.05). Method: Data were collected via online survey. Path analysis was conducted using SPSS AMOS, and MacKinnon's ab product approach in RMediation 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.