UNIVERSITY-STUDENTS INTENTION TO SEEK MEDICAL-CARE PROMPTLY IF SYMPTOMS OF SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES WERE SUSPECTED

The aim of this study was to identify the factors explaining intention to seek medical care promptly if STD symptoms were suspected. A rando m sample of 1617 undergraduate students completed a questionnaire asse ssing intention, attitude, perceived norm among friends, perceived beh avioral control, and risk of disease, along with different socio-demog raphic variables. The regression of intention on all variables yielded an adjusted R2 of 0.32 (P<0.0001). The factors explaining this varian ce were the perceived advantages, easiness, and social norm among frie nds regarding seeking medical care promptly, age, and gender. Percepti on of risk to delay seeking medical care and perceived personal risk o f getting STDs were not significant variables. Overall, the results in dicate the need to develop programs for male first-year students. Thes e programs will have to influence the attitude. that is, the perceived advantages of seeking medical care promptly if STD symptoms are suspe cted. Seeking advice from students' friends, and perception of these f riends as a significant reference source if STD symptoms are suspected , should also be promoted.