| Abstract
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The following study evaluated the correlations between self-reported risky sexual behaviors among a sample of Ethiopian U.S. residents and their perceptions about HIV. Overall, there were four significant positive correlations with number of sexual partners: substance use, r = .217, p < .01; frequency of protection use, r = .305, p < .01; perception of self-risk, r=.146, p < .05; and perception of partner-risk r = .184, p < .05. There was also a significant correlation between frequency of protection use and perception of self-risk, r = .238, p < .01, and perception of partner risk, r = .188, p < .05. For the Ethiopia sample, there was a significant correlation between going to night clubs and number of sexual partners, r = .38 p < .01. The results support the initial hypothesis that travel and risky behaviors are related. Secondly, the results support the second hypothesis of a correlation between substance use and risky behavior. Finally, the results support the hypothesis that there was a positive correlation between perception of self-risk and perception of partner risk. The study suggests perception/beliefs and travel may contribute to risky behaviors, which other research indicates is predictive of HIV. Implications for mental health and prevention are discussed.
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