Power in Relationships and Influencing Strategies for Condom Use: Exploring Cultural Beliefs among African American Men

Interviews were conducted with 40 young African American men at risk of HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy to explore cultural beliefs regarding 1) what makes men feel powerful in their relationships and 2) men's influencing strategies for condom use. Cultural consensus analyses were performed. Results indicated that the participants comprise a cultural group with shared beliefs about men's feelings of power and influencing strategies for condom use. Participants identified several factors that make men feel powerful (e.g., when they are able to provide for their families, are in control and make final decisions in their relationships). Regarding what men do to get their partners to use condoms, participants believed that men 1) use interactive strategies such as offering reasons for condom use; 2) use a variety of strategies involving condoms themselves; and 3) just ask their partners to use condoms. These cultural beliefs have important implications for HIV/STI and pregnancy prevention.