Comparison of cognitive - emotional determinants of sexual high-risk behaviors amongst youth: An application of prototype willingness model

Introduction: Considering increasing sexual risk behaviors such as lack of using condoms and having several sexual partners, identifying factors affecting on it can be useful in the design of preventive interventions for health educators. The aim of this study was to investigate cognitive-emotional determinants of high-risk behaviors among young people using Prototype/Willingness (P/W) Model. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, non-random sampling was employed to enroll 400 aged 18 to 28 referring to public places. A valid and reliable instrument based on P/W structures wad applied to measure cognitive factors. Results: The results showed that sexual risk behaviors at males (62.7%) are more than females (37.3%). Between sexual risk behaviors and self-control (p<0.001) was found a significant association. Among the P/W theoretical variables, intention (p<0.001) and social norms (p>0.05) were significant and direct predictors of sexual risk behavior in females. None of P/W structures was not significant predictors of sexual risk behaviors in males (p>0.05). In male, the previous experiences of sexual risk behaviors was significant at formation of the prototype (p=0.039) and prototype, also, in creating positive willingness toward risky sexual behaviors (p=0.004). In addition, at males, attitude toward behavior was significantly associated with behavioral intention (p<0.001), behavioral tendencies (p<0.001) and social norms (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the findings, subjective norms and intention are the most important influential factors on sexual risk behaviors in females. In males, as well as, previous experiences play an important role in the formation of prototype and their willingness toward sexual risk behaviors.