Key Social Norms Take-aways Social norms—measured as perceived norms supporting delayed sex—were not significant predictors of abstinence behaviors in this study, suggesting that norms alone may be insufficient to shape sexual behavior without complementary individual (e.g., self-efficacy) and relational (e.g., parental relationships) factors. The findings highlight that social norms operate within a broader socio-ecological system, and interventions should not rely solely on normative change but also strengthen agency, family dynamics, and structural supports.

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the predictors of primary and secondary sexual abstinence and intention to abstain among school-going adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Chad and Cameroon, using an integrated theoretical framework that incorporates socio-demographic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Methods The study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,158 high school students aged 15–24 years, selected through time-location sampling. Data were collected באמצעות a structured self-administered questionnaire measuring perceived social norms (Perceived Norms for Delaying Sex Scale), self-efficacy in abstinence, sexual communication, sexual citizenship awareness, parental control, and relationship quality. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine predictors of primary abstinence, secondary abstinence, and intention to abstain.

Results More than half of participants reported primary abstinence (61% in Chad; 66% in Cameroon), with substantial proportions also practicing secondary abstinence. Key predictors of abstinence behaviors included self-efficacy, parental control, quality of parent–child relationships, age, gender, educational level, religiosity, relationship status, and exposure to pornography. Self-efficacy consistently increased the likelihood of both primary abstinence and intention to abstain. In contrast, perceived social norms were not statistically significant predictors across outcomes. Family and relational factors (e.g., parental monitoring and relationship quality) and individual-level factors (e.g., age, gender, self-efficacy) played stronger roles.

Conclusions Sexual abstinence behaviors among AYAs are shaped by a complex interplay of individual, relational, and socio-cultural factors. Programs aiming to delay sexual initiation should adopt a multi-level approach that strengthens self-efficacy, supports parent–child relationships, and addresses broader contextual influences rather than focusing narrowly on social norms. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive sexuality education that integrates skills-building, family engagement, and community involvement.