Correlates of intention to abstain from sex among HIV positive adolescents in Botswana

Abstract

The study assesses correlates of abstinence intention among HIV positive adolescents aged 15-19 years to identify salient behavioural, normative and control beliefs relevant to sexual risky behaviour using the theory of reasoned action and planned behaviour. A cross sectional survey of 98 HIV positive adolescents aged 15-19 years was conducted at a Children’s center and from the infectious disease care clinics in Mochudi. Among 98 respondents, 56% were females (mean age 15.80, SE=0.21) and 44% were males (mean age 15.73, SE = 0.187). Abstinence behavioural beliefs (p<0.0001), abstinence prevention beliefs (p<0.0001) and abstinence normative beliefs (p=0.025) were significantly associated with intention to abstain from sex. Investing in interventions that enhance behavioural and prevention beliefs and promote intention to abstain would reduce the risk of reinfection, STDs and delay sexual debut. HIV interventions targeting adolescents would help prevent new infections.