Addressing Underlying Mechanisms to HIV/AIDS Preventive Behaviors in Ethiopia

The gap between knowledge/attitudes and practices/behavior is well-documented, and frequently referred to as the KAP-Gap (i.e., Knowledge-Attitudes-Practices—Gap). Utilizing a national urban youth sample in Ethiopia, this study attempts to explain the KAP-Gap. Four key health communication variables outlined by the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM)—perceived susceptibility, severity, self-efficacy, and response efficacy—were offered and tested as the underlying mechanisms to behavior change that bridge the gap between knowledge/attitudes and actual practices. The results revealed data consistent with the theory in that perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and response efficacy, were the only significant predictors of condom use among urban youth utilizing logistic regression techniques. Practical implications for HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns for Ethiopia's urban youth are offered.