Thoughts, Attitudes, and Opinions Regarding Condom Usage Among African American Males 18-24

The transmission of HIV and other STD's among African American males is a significant public health issue in the United States especially among heterosexual African American males who are often overlooked for HIV prevention services. According to CDC estimates African American males account for 54.6% of Chlamydia cases, 74.3% of Gonorrhea cases among males, and 46.7%of all cases of HIV transmission. Estimates also show that 20.3% of all cases of HIV transmission among African American males are the result of heterosexual contact, compared to only 8.1% among all other populations. As part of a study designed to help promote condom usage among young African American males 18-24, 36 individuals were recruited to participate in a series of qualitative interviews to measure their perception of condom use. In total, 5 focus group discussions and 6 in-depth interviews were conducted with this population. The questions asked during these interviews focused on: General Sexual Behavior, Condom Use Behavior, Gender-Based Issues in Condom Use, and Contextual Factors Which Affect Condoms Usage (Substance Use, Environment, Partner). We will discuss issues such as why study participants stated men don't use condoms, and “woman's responsibility” when comes to condom use, which were brought up during interviews. The results from these focus group and in-depth interviews were used in the modification an existing condom promotion education program designed for African American males which will be implemented as part of an intervention program. We will present data on the information learned from these focus group and in-depth interviews.