The Role of Relationship and Other Factors Associated with Condom Use Intention Among Young American Indian Men Ages 18 to 24 Years Old

The purpose of this study was to investigate the heterosexual relationship factors that were associated with condom use intention for STI prevention in a purposive sample of American Indian men. The sample was drawn from the Fort Peck Reservations in northeastern Montana. The sample size included 122 American Indian men ages 18 to 24. The theory of planned behavior and interdependence theory provided the theoretical basis for the study. Seventyseven percent of the young men reported being in a steady relationship with 60.3% agreeing that they were committed to maintaining their relationship with their current partner. Relationship duration and type and control of condom use were significantly associated with condom use intention for STI prevention. In addition control of condom use and relationship commitment was significantly associated with condom use communication. Regression results suggest that relationship duration, moderate or high participation in condom use decision making and female control of condom use are positively associated with moderately or extremely likely use of condoms in the future. The results from this study suggest that American Indian men are in need of culturally relevant sexual risk prevention efforts that address relationship factors to help reduce STIs in this population.