Intentions to prevent HIV infections are an essential part of HIV prevention. Social science researchers and HIV educators have investigated the roles of intentions to prevent HIV infections mainly in the context of safer sex behaviors. Surprisingly, however, HIV testing intentions have not been extensively studied in light of various forms of HIV tests that are likely soon to be approved for widespread use . The present study evaluated the utility of Ajzen and Fishbein' s (1980) Theory of Reasoned Action in predicting college students' intentions to take an HIV test. Attitudes toward HIV testing and their perceptions of social pressure toward HIV tests were investigated as predictors of testing intentions. In addition, college students' preferences for HIV testing procedures were surveyed in order to investigate whether the characteristics of the new HIV tests were seen as favorable. Responses from 190 undergraduate and graduate students at Portland State University (Portland, Oregon) were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results strongly supported the impact of the subjective norm toward HIV testing as a determinant of testing intentions. On the other hand, testing attitudes failed to predict testing intentions unlike past studies on HIV preventive behavioral intentions. Regarding the procedural preferences, the majority of respondents preferred the procedures of conventional HIV tests except that most respondents preferred not to have post-test counseling after an HIV-negative result; in addition, respondents were equally divided in their preference for blood or saliva fluid sampling. Implications of these findings are discussed for possible interventions.

Given the lack of an appropriate vaccine or an effective treatment for AIDS, more attention has been focused on controlling the threat of the disease, particularly through efforts to increase widespread behavioral change. HIV antibody testing has been advocated as an important intervention to influence people to practice safer sex to decrease the risk of infection with HIV (CDC, 2003; Wilson & Jaccard, 1993). The theory of reasoned action and planned behavior (Ajzen, 1975. 1991) was used to explore the factors that influence HIV testing decisions among 186 sexually active heterosexual college students. According to the TPB, the most important determinant of an individuals' HIV testing is his/her behavioral intention to be tested for HIV. The present research operationalized all components of the TPB model and several extensions including attitudes (perceived benefits & HIV testing Beliefs), subjective norm (college norm and friend/family/sexual partner norm), perceived behavioral control, and perceived barriers. The role of anticipated regret was explored as well as the relationship between returning for test results and several model variables. Results revealed that despite a relatively high knowledge level, students are continuing to engage in a multitude of HIV risk behaviors that are not translating into an increased likelihood of being tested for HIV. The hypothesized relations among the study independent variables and HIV testing intentions and behavior were partially supported in the regression analyses. HIV testing intentions was significantly related to perceived benefits and anticipated regret, whereas HIV testing behavior was significantly related to college norm, family/friend/sexual partner norm, HIV testing beliefs, and perceived behavioral control. As noted in the literature review, the present research was the first of its kind to apply the full TRA/TPB model to HIV testing intentions in college students. Overall, the TPB model variables (attitudes [perceived benefits, testing beliefs], subjective norms [college norms, family/friend/sexual partners' norms], perceived behavioral control and anticipated regret, accounted for a significant amount of the variance in HIV testing intentions, approximately 30%. This was particularly the case with non tested students. These findings offers support for the use of the full TRA/TPB model variables in research on variables that may influence decisions to be tested for those who have never been tested. The general findings of this research are that the TRA/TPB is a useful and valuable model to use as a framework to inform HIV testing interventions.

Objective: To determine factors associated with adolescent HIV testing and preferences for different testing methods. Methods: Sexually active 13-22 year-olds (N=200) completed a theory-based survey and were offered HIV testing. Those who agreed chose one of three HIV tests. Chi-square and logistic regression were performed to determine factors associated with testing. Results: Half of participants (49.5%) agreed to HIV testing: 51% chose rapid oral, 30% venipuncture, and 19% rapid fingerstick. Male gender (OR 3.52; 95% CI 1.35-9.21), parental completion of high school (OR 2.69; 95% CI 1.15-6.31), intention to test for HIV if offered by clinician (OR 6.78; 95% CI 2.01-22.92), and higher perceived likelihood of current HIV infection (OR 10.0; 95% CI 2.9-33.3) were independently associated with testing. Conclusions: Intention to test if offered by a clinician and perceived likelihood of current HIV infection appear to be important factors in decision to test.

Conjoint analysis goes beyond simple surveys, providing a more realistic approach to understanding consumer attitudes, opinions, and behavior. Introduced as a fundamental measurement method more than forty years ago, conjoint analysis presents combinations of features and attributes in product profiles and asks people to rank or rate those profiles or to make choices among product profiles.

During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, thousands of Americans became infected with HIV through the nation's blood supply. Because little reliable information existed at the time AIDS first began showing up in hemophiliacs and in others who had received transfusions, experts disagreed about whether blood and blood products could transmit the disease. During this period of great uncertainty, decision-making regarding the blood supply became increasingly difficult and fraught with risk. This volume provides a balanced inquiry into the blood safety controversy, which involves private sexual practices, personal tragedy for the victims of HIV/AIDS, and public confidence in America's blood services system. The book focuses on critical decisions as information about the danger to the blood supply emerged. The committee draws conclusions about what was doneâ€"and recommends what should be done to produce better outcomes in the face of future threats to blood safety. The committee frames its analysis around four critical area: Product treatmentâ€"Could effective methods for inactivating HIV in blood have been introduced sooner? Donor screening and referralâ€"including a review of screening to exlude high-risk individuals. Regulations and recall of contaminated bloodâ€"analyzing decisions by federal agencies and the private sector. Risk communicationâ€"examining whether infections could have been averted by better communication of the risks.