Factors Associated with AIDS Risk Behaviors of African born Adolescents in Southern California

The study was aimed at determining if cultural beliefs are salient factors contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS among African born adolescents aged 15 to 19 years living in southern California. We used a cross-sectional design and collected data in two phases. The first phase was qualitative and data were collected from 25 participants in focus groups. The second phase utilized a questionnaire which was developed from the results of the focus group, using the theory of planned behavior. One hundred and thirty-five black African born teenagers between the ages of 15-19 years living in southern California completed the questionnaire. Of those participating in the study, 62% were male and 38% female. The majority (75%) indicated that they were attending high school. Multiple regressions were done using versions 13 and 14 of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software as follows; behavior was regressed on intention and perceived control. Intentions to have sex and use condom when having sex were regressed against attitude, subjective norm, and perceived control, and attitudes on outcome beliefs. Subjective norm was also regressed on normative beliefs and perceivedbehavioral control on control beliefs. The strongest predictor of intention to have sexual intercourse was attitude, followed by subjective norm. Perceived control played a relatively less significant role. The responses of enjoying sex, “wanting to be a parent” and to “keep sexual partners” predicted the adolescents’ attitudes