Contextualized theory-based predictors of intention to practice monogamy among adolescents in Botswana junior secondary schools: Results of focus group sessions and a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Culture and tradition influences behaviour. Multiple partner and concurrent relationships are made responsible for the increase of HIV infection in Sub-Saharan Africa. A contextualized “Theory of Planned Behaviour” was used to identify predictors of intention to practice monogamy. A mixed method design using qualitative data from focus groups, stories and a survey were analyzed for quantitative data. The qualitative data added to the behavioural beliefs a socio-cultural belief domain as well as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control predicted the intention to practice monogamy. The adolescents showed a tendency towards having more than one sexual partner. The normative beliefs and the socio cultural beliefs also predicted intentions while hedonistic belief and partner reaction did not. In contextualizing theory-based interventions, it is important to draw from stories and the langauage that circulate in a community about a given behaviour. More studies are needed on ways to combine qualitative approaches with quantitative approaches to inform the development of theory based culturally appropriate and context specific intervention strategies to reduce the risk of HIV.

Factors perceived to affect intention of sexual behaviours among junior high school students in Muang District, Thailand

“…Studies have consistently illustrated that attitude was positively related to the preventive intention of sexual behaviours (Chilisa et al, 2016;Manyaapelo et al, 2016), while the results of this study found that students had negative attitude towards preventing the intention of sexual behaviours. This study added self-efficacy to the growing literatures which suggested self-awareness as one of the top strategies to reduce the adverse outcomes (Chilisa et al, 2016;Manyaapelo et al, 2016).…”

Factors Influencing Adolescents’ Sexually Risky Behaviors in Botswana

“…As such, maladaptive coping might influence adolescent engagement in risky sexual behaviours (Thorsteinsson, et al, 2013). Botswana is an oral society and there are certain messages that are passed through proverbs,which,shape adolescents' behaviours, hen ce might lead to the spread of HIV (Chilisa, et al, 2016). Some of the messages instil a sense of insecurity in staying in monogamous relationships resulting in in adolescents opting for multiple sex partners (Chilisa et, al., 2016).…”

“…Botswana is an oral society and there are certain messages that are passed through proverbs,which,shape adolescents' behaviours, hen ce might lead to the spread of HIV (Chilisa, et al, 2016). Some of the messages instil a sense of insecurity in staying in monogamous relationships resulting in in adolescents opting for multiple sex partners (Chilisa et, al., 2016). Another study in Botswana among adolescents indicated that self-efficacy was a predictor of intention to practice safe sex .…”

“…Svanemyr, et al (2015) argue that mobilization of community leaders can foster intergenerational communication in support of adolescent SRH. In Botswana, there are certain behaviours that are sanctioned in the community which influence sexual risky behaviours among adolescents (Chilisa, et al 2016). There are cultural beliefs and practices that encourage men to have multiple sex partners, hence exposing them to HIV infection.…”

Theory of Planned Behaviour and Sexting Intention of College Student

“…The TPB is a psychological theory of human behaviour (Ajzen, 1991, 2002) and is widely used for the purpose of researching different forms of behaviors (Armitage & Conner, 2001), including sexual behaviour (Asare, 2015; Chilisa et al, 2016; Tseng et al, 2020) and sexting (Hudson & Fetro, 2015; Liong & Cheng, 2017; Wilson et al, 2021). According to the TPB (Figure 1), voluntary behaviors, such as participation in sexting, are best predicted by behavioral intention.…”