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

  • Rebecca Kubanji University of Botswana
  • Ogar Rapinyana University of Bostwana
  • Nthabiseng Phaladze University of Botswana
  • Kesaobaka Molebatsi University of Botswana
Keywords: Abstinence, Adolescent, HIV, Botswana, theory of reasoned action

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.

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Author Biographies

Rebecca Kubanji, University of Botswana
Department of Population Studies15
Ogar Rapinyana, University of Bostwana
School of Nursing
Nthabiseng Phaladze, University of Botswana
School of Nursing
Kesaobaka Molebatsi, University of Botswana
Department of Statistics
Published
2016-09-14