Using Theory of Planned Behavior to predict safer sex behavior among Ghanaian immigrants in a Midwestern metropolitan area

Ghana has a high proportion of prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Immigrants from Ghana are at a higher risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Safer sexual behaviors that include condom usage, monogamous relationship, and abstinence are very important in preventing transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Literature about predictors of safer sex behavior in this population is scarce. It is in this backdrop that the purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the constructs of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) namely attitude toward safer sex, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control could predict behavioral intention for safer sex which could in turn predict safer sexual behavior among Ghanaian immigrants in a sample drawn from a Midwestern metropolitan area. A 54-item survey was validated by a panel of six experts in a two round review process. Cronbach's alpha and test retest reliability coefficients were calculated and found to be over 0.70 and thus acceptable. The survey was administered to a sample of 100 Ghanaian immigrants through Ghanaian churches and grocery stores. Stepwise multiple regression was used to model safer sexual behavior using constructs of TPB. Results of the study show that attitude toward safer sex, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are important predictors of intention for safer sex behavior among Ghanaian immigrants. Future safer sex behavior interventions for Ghanaian immigrants must build on constructs of TPB.