THE KNOWLEDGE OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIORS AMONG NIGERIAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS

The disproportionate representation of African American adolescents engaging in sexual risk behaviors (SRB) compared to their other racial counterparts is stark. This SRB disparity can be eliminated by addressing ethnic group-specific populations, such as Nigerian American adolescents (NAAs), and requiring an intentional effort and sensitivity regarding the methodology. Protection Motivation Theory and selected Roach's Cs guided this study in a virtual setting, and the uniqueness of NAAs surfaced.
Twenty-five male and female participants were recruited through Nigerian American Foundation. Each participant met the inclusion criteria of self-identification as Nigerian American, male, and female adolescents aged 13 –17 years old, being able to read and provide written assent in English, South Florida residence, Nigerian parentage, or Nigerian birth living in the US within five years. An exploratory, descriptive design employed a mixed-methods study to identify SRB knowledge and attitudes among NAAs. Quantitatively, SRB knowledge and attitudes were assessed using the West Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Inventory, acculturation measure for Afro-Caribbean youths was adapted for the NAAs, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. For the qualitative component, a developed guide was used in focus group discussions.