Personal and parental religiosity influences on HIV prevention behaviour among Pentecostal Botswana youth

Abstract

Background: Religiosity is a resource for safer-sex behaviour in HIV pandemic regions. We investigated influences of personal and parental religiosity on safer-sex behaviours among Botswana Pentecostal youth. Methods: 261 youth (female = 65%) from a major Pentecostal Church in Botswana completed the Botswana Youth Health Survey (BYHS). The BYHS included questions on personal and parental religiosity (intrinsic - extrinsic dimensions), personal predispositions (impulsivity), demographic characteristics, and safer-sex behaviours. Findings: Personal religiosity, especially choir attendance, was positively associated with safer-sex behaviours. Personal religiosity was also positively associated with safer-sex behaviours but only in younger participants and those with longer congregation affiliations. Paternal and maternal religiosity explained safer-sex engagement, but it was paternal religiosity that exerted the strongest influence, reflecting underlying patriarchal structures. Parental and personal religiosity influences on safer-sex were indirect, through impulsivity. Discussion: Religiosity impacted safer-sex behaviours but this was not straightforward. HIV prevention efforts may need to consider family religiosity, and utilize music and song appropriately. However, little progress can be made in terms of HIV prevention if Botswana patriarchal structures remain unchanged.