“…This strongly argues that countrylevel as well as individual-level results can be attributed to the effect of education and cognitive abilities on behavioral change of individuals, presumably towards a more cautious and less risk-taking way of life (e.g. De Walque, 2004;Goldman & Smith, 2002;Lakhanpal & Ram, 2008;Sanderson, 2004). Educated and intelligent people can understand the relationship between their sexual behavior and the risks and consequences of sexually transmitted diseases for themselves and their families and are more likely to modify their behavior, either as a matter of self-interest or by applying ethical norms.…”