Understanding condom use among unmarried female migrants: a psychological and personality factors modified information-motivation-behavioral skills model

BACKGROUND: In China, unmarried female migrants are vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health risks. One effective protection strategy is promoting consistent condom use (CCU). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to apply the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model and modified it by addition of psychological and personal factors to examine the related factors of CCU and provide suggestions for intervention among unmarried female migrants. RESULTS: Of all 903 eligible participants, only 13.8% of participants reported CCU in the past six months. Both the IMB model and the modified IMB model provided acceptable fit to the data. In both models, information had no direct or indirect influence on CCU (p > 0.05). However, behavioral skills had a positive effect on CCU (β = 0.344, p < 0.001 and β = 0.330, p < 0.001). Moreover, motivation contributed to CCU indirectly by affecting behavioral skills (β = 0.800, p < 0.001) and had no direct influence (p > 0.05). In the modified model, psychological and personality factors influenced CCU directly (β = − 0.100, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the importance of conducting CCU promotion among unmarried female migrants. Future intervention strategies should focus on both the traditional IMB model constructs and the added psychological and personality factors.