# Relationships between family functioning and HIV/AIDS-related preventive behaviors among young students with sexual experience

## TL;DR

This study shows that better family functioning encourages young sexually active students to adopt HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors, partly through increased self-monitoring.

## Contribution

The study identifies self-monitoring as a mediator linking family functioning to HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors in young students.

## Key findings

- Family functioning positively influences attitudes toward HIV testing and information-seeking behaviors.
- Self-monitoring mediates the relationship between family functioning and HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors.
- Improving family functioning could enhance public health efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS among youth.

## Abstract

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a severe public health issue, especially among young people. To determine whether family functioning and self-monitoring influence HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related preventive behaviors among young students with sexual experience, we conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study.

This study, which used a convenience sampling method, was conducted in Fuzhou, China. The questionnaires used for this research included the Adaptation–Partnership–Growth–Affection–Resolve (APGAR) scale, the Self-Monitoring Scale, and questions concerning HIV/AIDS-related preventive behaviors. Binary logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and the Karlson–Holm–Breen method were employed to assess the relationship between family functioning and HIV/AIDS-related preventive behavior and to identify the mediating role of self-monitoring in this context.

A total of 29,038 students participated in the survey, of whom 2,510 had sexual experience. Family functioning had positive effects on students’ attitudes toward HIV testing [odds ratio (OR): 1.763; p < 0.01], reading/hearing HIV/AIDS news (OR: 2.776; p < 0.001), seeking online information (OR: 2.815; p < 0.001), and engaging in discussions about HIV/AIDS with others (OR: 2.686; p < 0.001). Moreover, the results of the mediation analysis revealed that self-monitoring played a mediating role in the relationship between family functioning and HIV/AIDS-related preventive behaviors.

Family functioning was mediated by self-monitoring and indirectly affected HIV/AIDS-related preventive behaviors. It is essential to promote family functioning education in public health programs and to develop family intervention tools. Practical activities pertaining to the prevention of HIV/AIDS should be added to the self-management content of sex education courses for young students.