Social Support and HIV Prevention Behavior among Adolescents in Indonesia

Adolescents are susceptible to HIV transmission. The incidence of HIV among teenagers and young adults in Indonesia is on the rise, underscoring the importance of comprehending factors that impact HIV prevention behavior in adolescents, with social support being a significant factor to consider. Objective. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between social support and HIV prevention behavior among adolescents. Methods. This research was a quantitative correlational analytic study using a cross-sectional design. A total of 610 students from vocational high schools in Bandung, Indonesia, participated in this study. Data were gathered utilizing both the family and friend versions of the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSfa and PSSfr) and the Sexual Behavioral Abstinence and Avoidance of High-Risk Situations Questionnaire (SBAHAQ). Descriptive data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Relationships between the variables were analyzed by spearman’s correlation test, followed by simple linear regression analysis. Results. Social support and HIV Prevention Behavior scores were positively and weakly associated (r = 0.288, p<0.0001). The mean value of social support from family was 11.87 (SD = 3.83); social support from peers was 11.64 (SD = 4.22). The mean value of HIV prevention behavior for the self-efficacy domain was 14.51 (SD = 3.14); behavioral intention was 11.69 (SD = 3.04); perceived benefit was 22.40 (SD = 4.69; range 0–30). Conclusion. Healthcare professionals should develop evidence-based educational interventions specifically tailored to the needs of adolescents, incorporating life skills education. This approach aims to enhance HIV prevention behaviors among adolescents, utilizing a peer support framework.