Social and behavioral correlates of adolescent sexual experience and intention to use condoms in Northwestern Botswana

Francis Barchi, Helen Apps, Oleosi Ntshebe, Peggie Ramaphane

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Adolescent sexual behavior is shaped by individual, social, and structural factors that can increase HIV-risk, unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted disease. To inform the development of a comprehensive sexuality education program, 239 secondary school adolescents ages 14–19 in Maun, Botswana, completed a survey of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in February–March 2020. Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined factors associated with sexual experience and perceived ability to insist on condoms. Approximately 21% of respondents reported having had sexual intercourse. More than half felt able to insist on condoms. Sources of information about human reproduction, alcohol use, attitudes about when sex is acceptable, and perceived sexual activity by one’s peers were predictive of sexual experience. Age, confidence in correct condom use, perceived acceptability of adolescent sex with condoms, and endorsement of prevailing gender norms were significantly associated with perceived ability to insist on condom use.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number5583
JournalInternational journal of environmental research and public health
Volume18
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pollution
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Africa
  • Condoms
  • Gender norms
  • HIV-risk behavior
  • Sexual debut

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