Partner communication self-efficacy about condom use among African American college students

4^th International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs and STIs

October 03-05, 2016 Orlando, Florida, USA

Chakema Carmack, Mohammed Ansari and Lena T Gerecht

University of Houston, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

African Americans account for approximately half of new HIV infections each year (CDC, 2013). African American college students have reported sexual risk factors at a higher rate than their counterparts (ACHA-NCHA, 2012). Sexual risk behaviors such as lack of condom use is a predominate cause of HIV and other STI infection among African American young adults. The present study investigated partner communication self-efficacy (PCSE) about condom use, partner perceptions about condom use and attitude about condom use to model condom use behavior. Students (N=255) from a major historically Black university (HBCU), ages 17 to 25, were surveyed about their sexual perceptions, intimate partner communication and condom use behavior (at follow-up). Regression analyses were conducted separately for males and females to model the significance of PCSE and perceived partner perceptions about condom use on subsequent condom use. For males, PCSE and partner perceptions were significantly associated with condom use (p<.05). An interaction effect was found in that partner�s perception was associated with condom use only when attitudes toward condom use was low (unfavorable) (p=0.01). For females, a significant relationship was found between attitude toward condom use and PCSE only (p=0.01) in predicting condom use. The final models accounted for 33% and 27% of the variance in condom use for males and females, respectively; a medium effect. Programs and initiatives focused on increasing condom use communication and favorable attitudes toward condom use could positively impact condom use among African American college students and subsequently reduce the HIV/ STI incidence in this population.

Biography :

Chakema Carmack has received her Post-doctorate from Pennsylvania State University, 2010 and PhD in Community Psychology Wichita State University, 2007. She is a community Psychologist with a specialty in Statistics and Methodology. Her research focuses on the HIV health disparity in African American communities, young adult HIV risk-related behaviors, (CBPR) evaluation and risk reduction intervention strategies. Currently she is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychological Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, USA.

Email: ccarmack@central.uh.edu