Abstract #365  -  Predictors of abstinence among 10-18 year adolescents in Botswana: application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Chilisa Bagele -
Additional Authors:  Mr/s Tumani Malinga, Mr/s Poloko Mmonadibe,
Aim: The article reports on adolescents understanding of abstinence, and the role of behavioral beliefs, normative and control belief in predicting intentions to have sex. Adolescents’ understanding of abstinence was derived from an elicitation phase of a prospective study on adolescents’ sexual risky behavior. The elicitation provided questionnaire items for a rapid assessment survey on HIV prevention knowledge and sexual attitudes of 10-18 year adolescents in Botswana. The elicitation survey revealed that there are cultural beliefs about abstinence and gender norms that inform adolescents’ sexual behaviors. A regression analysis revealed that adolescents’ behavioral beliefs informed by socio-cultural knowledge predicted intentions to abstain. Boys were also significantly less likely to abstain.
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