Using health belief model to assess the determinants of HIV/AIDS prevention behavior among university students in Central, Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

The adolescent and youth population is at high risk of contracting HIV infection. Little is known in Tanzania regarding the application of Health Belief Model (HBM) in identifying the factors that influence HIV prevention behaviors within this group. This study aims to use the Health Belief Model to assess the determinants of HIV/AIDS prevention behavior among University students in central Tanzania. The analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted among undergraduate students at the University of Dodoma and St. John University in Tanzania, from 15th June 2024 to 15th July 2024. The multiple sampling techniques were employed to select 310 study participants. A structured questionnaire adapted from previous studies was used to collect data from study participants. The determinants of HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors were analyzed using bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models. The majority of study respondents 248 (80%) had adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors. Most of respondents had high perceived barrier 175 (56.5%) and high perceived benefit 194 (62.6%) toward HIV prevention behavior. More than half of the study respondents had negative attitude 172 (55.5%) and low level of engagement in HIV/AIDS prevention behavior 173 (55.8%). The University students with high perceived barriers (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.350-0.966; p = 0.036) and negative attitudes (aOR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.362-0.995; p = 0.048) were less likely to engage in HIV/AIDS prevention behavior practice. This study revealed that more than half of university students were poorly engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention behavior practice. This low level of engagement was mostly influenced by high perceived barriers and negative attitudes toward HIV prevention behavior. Putting more efforts into initiatives to educate university students about HIV prevention practices, will help to maximize their awareness and encourage them to participate in HIV/AIDS prevention behavior.