| The current study applied the Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) skills model (Fisher & Fisher, 1994) to predict the psychological determinants of AIDS risk behavior in a sample of English-speaking Haitian-Americans. This research sought to understand their level of HIV/AIDS knowledge, their motivation to practice safer-sex and their perceived behavioral skills at engaging in AIDS preventive behaviors. The goal of the current study was to advance the understanding of Haitian-Americans' AIDS risk behavior.; Haitian-Americans (N = 88) recruited from various community events completed assessments of their level of HIV prevention information, motivation, behavioral skills and safer sex behavior. Three safer sex behaviors were examined as outcome variables: condom use during sexual intercourse, condoms accessibility and safer-sex discussion with partners. Exploratory analyses revealed that married participants were generally less motivated to engage in AIDS preventive acts, reported having less mastery of behavioral skills and generally did not practice safer sexual behaviors. Moreover, marital status was found to have a significant impact on the major variables, thus, its effects were accounted for in all analyses.; The results of the study confirmed some model relationships proposed by the IMB model. Motivation to engage in AIDS preventive acts had the greatest predictive power in Haitian-Americans' safe sex behaviors. Haitian-Americans with greater levels of motivation were more likely to discuss safe sex with their partners, more likely to have access to condoms and more likely to use condoms. Information about HIV/AIDS facts had trivial direct effects on safe sexual behaviors. However, HIV/AIDS knowledge was indirectly associated with condom use via the mediating effects of behavioral skills. Implications in terms of interventions were discussed. Recommendations for further research and methodological limitations are also included. |
