Date of Award

2025-12-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

Advisor(s)

Theodore V. Cooper

Abstract

Disparate rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) contraction among Latinas and emerging adults highlight glaring public health issues that warrant brief and digital STI testing interventions to promote service acquisition. Latinas may experience a greater negative impact of STIs compared to men, indicating a need to target this population group. Prior studies have noted STI testing intentions and acquisition in Latina populations to be largely impacted by four components: education, stigma, social support, and self-efficacy. Given recent funding cuts for STI research, a brief and digital intervention may circumvent costs associated with traditional intervention implementation. The current study aimed to assess 1) a brief culturally targeted digital intervention (Mi Cuerpo, Mi Salud) on Latina emerging adults’ STI testing intentions, 2) the effect of Mi Cuerpo, Mi Salud on STI knowledge, stigma, social support, and self-efficacy, 3) the feasibility and satisfaction of the intervention as well as the perceived relatedness of the concepts addressed, 4) the effect of the intervention on STI testing acquisition. Findings from the present study indicate that the intervention was successful at improving STI testing intentions among Latinas as well as improving STI knowledge and reducing STI-related stigma. However, participants did not report perceived improvements in social support or self-efficacy. Furthermore, the intervention did not have a statistically significant effect on STI testing acquisition. Overall, participants found the intervention to be informational and enjoyable. This intervention may be a cost-effective way normalize STIs and STI testing while providing Latinas with the required information regarding STI testing. Although the intervention was somewhat successful, prospective studies should continue to improve upon the social support and self-efficacy modules in attempts to promote STI testing acquisition. In conclusion, this intervention may help promote early detection of STIs and reduce STI disparities within this population.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

135 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Ariana Cervantes-Borges

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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