The Impact of a Culturally Appropriate STD/AIDS Education Intervention on Black Male Adolescents’ Sexual and Condom Use Behavior

Abstract

A culturally appropriate, theoretically based videotape was developed to promote condom use among African American males, ages 15 to 19, attending a municipal sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. The video-tape’s impacts were compared to those achieved by an African American health educator who delivered the same messages during a face-to-face session and by standard care. Data were obtained on participants’ ( N = 562) condom use knowledge, self-efficacy, and intentions; sexual and condom use behaviors; and perceived risk of infection. At posttest, “videotape” and “health educator” participants demonstrated greater condom use knowledge; “health educator” participants indicated greater self-efficacy and stronger condom use intentions with steady partners. At 6 months, participants in all conditions reported more partners and acts of vaginal intercourse (past month); however, they were more likely to report consistent condom use with steady partners (18% vs. 53%) and casual partners (26% vs. 50%). Perceived risk of infection was lower at the posttest and declined during the study period.