Using the theory of planned behavior to predict safer sexual behavior by ghanaian immigrants in a large midwestern U.S. city

Int Q Community Health Educ. 2009;30(4):321-35. doi: 10.2190/IQ.30.4.d.

Abstract

Ghanaian immigrant population in the United States is at a high risk for developing HIV/AIDS. This study uses the Theory of Planned Behavior to predict safer sexual behavior among Ghanaian immigrants in a large Midwestern city in the United States. A 55-item questionnaire was developed and tested for validity (face, content, and construct) and reliability (stability and test-retest). A total of 137 Ghanaian immigrants completed the questionnaire. The constructs of perceived behavioral control (p < 0.001) and subjective norm (p < 0.001) were significant predictors for intention to use condoms and they accounted for 38% of the variance. Behavioral intention for condom use (p < 0.001) was the significant predictor for condom use and it accounted for 21% of the variance. Health education interventions based on constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior must promote consistent and correct use of condoms in this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology*
  • Female
  • Ghana / ethnology
  • Health Education / organization & administration*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Safe Sex / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States / epidemiology