Socio-cognitive predictors of primary and secondary sexual abstinence among South African adolescents

Abstract

Background: While predictors of condom use among sub-Saharan African adolescents have been studied extensively, factors related to abstinence have received far less attention. This study identified socio-cognitive predictors of primary and secondary abstinence. Furthermore, this study assessed whether these socio-cognitive determinants could be modelled according to propositions of the I-Change Model. Methods: South African students (N=1,351) filled in a questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months. Structural equation modelling was applied to assess direct and indirect effects. Findings: Among sexually inexperienced adolescents, negative attitudes and lack of knowledge predicted sexual debut 6 months later. Among the sexually experienced, no socio-cognitive factors significantly predicted abstinence. Positive norms and attitudes towards abstinence did, however, predict secondary abstinence intentions. Explained variance proportions were low (all R2 < 0.30). Knowledge and risk perception effects were mediated via attitudes and norms. Differences between boys and girls were present. Discussion: Socio-cognitive factors yielded low proportions of explained behavioural variance. The relation with the sub-Saharan African context will be discussed and adaptations for future studies will be proposed.