Effects of Intention, Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioral Control on Sexual Behavior among Female Adolescents: A Multiple Linear Regression Model

Abstract

Background: To better understand the risky sexual behavior of adolescents, it is important to explore the social contexts in which sexual behaviors among adolescents are developed and shaped. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of intention, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on sexual behavior among female adolescents. Subjects and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in Bantul, Yogyakarta, from June to July 2019. A total sample of 200 female adolescents was selected randomly. The dependent variable was sexual behavior. The independent variables were constructs of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), including intention, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by a multiple linear regression. Results: Healthy sexual behavior was positively associated with strong intention (b= 0.65; 95% CI= 0.56 to 0.74; p<0.001), positive attitude (b= 0.09; 95% CI= 0.03 to 0.14; p= 0.001), supportive subjective norm (b= 0.07; 95% CI= 0.01 to 0.13; p= 0.015), and strong perceived behavior control (b= 0.12; 95% CI= 0.03 to 0.21; p= 0.005). Conclusion: Healthy sexual behavior is positively associated with strong intention, positive attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control.