Predictors of African American adolescents' condom use and HIV risk behavior
Reitman, D.; St Lawrence, J.S.; Jefferson, K.W.; Alleyne, E.; Brasfield, T.L.; Shirley, A.
Aids Education and Prevention Official Publication of the International Society for Aids Education 8(6): 499-515
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9546 PMID: 9010510 Document Number: 459710
This study evaluated predictors of risky and safer behaviour in a sample of low-income African American adolescents, assessed their perceptions of the risk associated with their sexual behaviour, and examined differences between adolescents who used condoms consistently, inconsistently, or engaged only in unprotected intercourse. African American adolescents (n=312) completed measures related to AIDS knowledge, frequency of condom use, attitudes toward condoms and sexual behaviour over the preceding 2 months. Multiple regression analyses for the sexually active youths (n=114) revealed that lower self-efficacy, higher perceived risk and male gender were associated with high-risk behaviour. Positive attitudes toward condoms and younger age had the strongest association with condom use. Consistent condom users were more knowledgeable and held more positive attitudes toward condoms, and nonusers were older. Regardless of their behaviour, the adolescents generally did not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV infection. The findings suggest that precautionary practices (condom use) and high-risk behaviour (unprotected sex with multiple partners) may have different correlates. In addition, the data indicate that theoretical models developed with homosexual male populations may also be generalizable to African American adolescents' sexual behaviour.