TY - JOUR TI - Relationships among subjective norms, gender, acculturation and the intention to engage in risky sexual behaviors among us-based Nigerians DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T32J6DZ1 PY - 2016 AB - Rationale: This study aimed to disentangle the complex interrelationships among subjective norms (SN), gender, acculturation, and the intention to engage in risky sexual behavior (RSB) among US-based Nigerians. It is well documented that Nigerian cultural norms inadvertently expose Nigerians in Nigeria to RSB in the forms of multiple sexual partnerships (MSP) and non-condom use. The extent to which Nigerians intend to continue with these culturally accepted beliefs and practices after immigration to the US, and the extent to which gender, level of acculturation, and SN are associated with RSB intentions among this group were unknown. It is crucial to understand this phenomenon because caring for negative outcomes of RSB such as unplanned pregnancies, STIs and HIV cost approximately $47 billion annually in the US. Method: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Acculturation Framework were used to explore hypothesized relationships. After approval from Rutgers University IRB for this cross-sectional, correlational study, 154 adult were recruited from five US-based Nigerian community Listservs. Results: SN, PBC, and attitudes about condom use were independent predictors of condom use intention. SN by itself contributed 7% of the variance. Although SN was not an independent predictor of MSP intention, it was correlated to MSP intention. PBC for MSP, sexual preference, singleness, and assimilation were independent predictors of MSP. Overall, TPB constructs were significantly related to condom use and MSP intentions. Conclusion: This is the first known study that has explored the intricate interrelationships among SN, gender, acculturation, and the intention to engage in RSB among US-based Nigerians. Findings indicated that the TPB propositions that asserted direct relationships between SN and intentions were empirically adequate. Conversely, the theorized interrelationship among background factors, SN, and intention were not supported. The theorized relationships of background factors as direct antecedents to SN and indirect antecedents to intention were less clear. Further studies are warranted. This study revealed important cultural subgroup differences in levels of acculturation, SN, and RSB intentions that underscore the premise that Blacks are not a monolithic group. These differences indicated that interventions targeted at US-based Nigerians might contribute to the prevention of RSB within this population. Findings laid the foundation for future interventions designed to modify behavioral intentions and SN that fostered RSB in at-risk groups, such as immigrants. The goal is to foster safer sexual behaviors and reduce negative consequences and associated treatment costs of RSB in this group. KW - Nursing KW - Nigerians--United States KW - Unsafe sex KW - Acculturation LA - eng ER -