RISK BEHAVIORS OF AFRICAN BORN ADOLESCENTS IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The study was aimed at determining if cultural beliefs are salient factors contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS among African born adolescents living in southern California.A cross-sectional design was used and collected data in two phases.The first phase was qualitative in which data were collected from 25 participants.The second phase utilized a questionnaire which was developed from the results of first phase,using the theory of planned behavior.Of the 150 teenagers completed the questionnaire,62% were male and 38% female.75%indicated they were attending high school. Multiple regressions were done using versions 14 of 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 regressed on normative beliefs and perceived behavioral control on control beliefs. The strongest predictor of intention to have sex was attitude, followed by subjective norm.The responses of enjoying sex,“wanting to be a parent”and to “keep sexual partners” predicted the adolescents'' attitudes.