Using the Health Belief Model to Determine Safer Sexual Behavior among African Immigrants

Background. African immigrants in the U.S. are at high risk of HIV/AIDS because of their risky sexual behaviors, but they are infrequently studied. The purpose of this study was to use health belief model (HBM) to examine safe sexual behaviors among African immigrants. Methods. A cross-sectional design with a 44-item valid and reliable questionnaire based on constructs of HBM was administered to a quota sample of 412 African immigrants in Ohio. Results. The logistic regression analyses revealed that the HBM constructs as a set significantly accounted for the variance in condom use and monogamous behaviors. The findings showed that perceived susceptibility (OR=1.10), perceived barriers (OR=1.10), cues to action (OR=1.19) and self-efficacy (OR=1.21) were significant predictors of condom use (p<.05). Discussion. Based on the findings future HIV/AIDS risk reduction programs among African immigrants can be designed based on HBM.