Correlates of Condom Use Among Somali and Ethiopian Immigrants in the U.S.

Abstract

The study examined correlates of consistent condom use in steady heterosexual relationships among Somali and Ethiopian immigrants in Minnesota. Study participants (n=205) responded to questions on attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and self-reported male condom use. Participants were neither for, nor against using condoms, and the same was true for social influence and self-efficacy; however, reported moderately favorable attitude toward condom use and little difficulties in using condoms. Self-efficacy emerged as the factor with the strongest direct influence on behavioral intention to use condoms. In turn, behavioral intention was a significant predictor of self-reported condom use. Increasing male condom use self-efficacy among Somali and Ethiopian immigrants is suggested as a main component of public health intervention seeking to curb the spread of HIV and other STIs in Minnesota.