Correlates of intention to abstain from sex among HIV positive adolescents in Botswana
Reproductive Health
30
Issue: 2
(11 - 2016)
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) 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.
Key words: Abstinence, Adolescent, HIV, Botswana, theory of reasoned action
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