The study examined correlates of consistent condom use in steady heterosexual relationships among Somali and Ethiopian immigrants in Minnesota. Study participants (n = 205) responded to questions on attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, behavioral intention, and self-reported male condom use. Participants were neither for, nor against using condoms, and the same was true for social influence and self-efficacy; however, reported moderately favorable attitude toward condom use and little difficulties in using condoms. Self-efficacy emerged as the factor with the strongest direct influence on behavioral intention to use condoms. In turn, behavioral intention was a significant predictor of self-reported condom use. Increasing male condom use self-efficacy among Somali and Ethiopian immigrants is suggested as a main component of public health intervention seeking to curb the spread of HIV and other STIs in Minnesota.
Keywords: Condom use; Correlates of condom use; Ethiopian; HIV; Somali.