Condom usage behaviors and opinions 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 research project designed to examine STD's and promote condom usage among young African American males; approximately 420 African American men ages 18-24 were recruited and randomized into a condom education program and control program on general health and wellness.. Data collection points were baseline, 3-month and 9-month follow-up. As part of the baseline measures, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing were performed. The surveys asked participants various questions about their opinions regarding the importance of using condoms, as well as barriers to and other factors which might effect whether on not individuals use condoms. We will discuss our recruitment and enrollment of the study participants as well as the baseline survey and initial STD testing results.