Attitudes, Norms, and Self-Efficacy: Examining Socio-Cognitive Correlates and Sexual Abstinence Among Ugandan Youth Ages 16–18 years, in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways The findings underscore the powerful role of peer and parental norms in shaping sexual behavior among Ugandan youth. Programs aiming to delay sexual initiation must go beyond providing knowledge; they should also address the social pressures and normative environments influencing young people’s choices, helping adolescents develop confidence and strategies to navigate sexual decision-making in line with their personal goals and values.
Objectives This study aimed to identify socio-cognitive factors — including attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy — associated with sexual abstinence among older adolescents (ages 16–18) living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda, to inform HIV prevention strategies targeting youth in high-risk environments.
Methods The study analyzed data from the 2014 Kampala Youth Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 1,134 disadvantaged youth. For this analysis, the researchers focused on 757 adolescents, comparing those who had never had sex to those who were sexually active. The study used chi-square tests and logistic regression models to explore associations between sexual abstinence and socio-cognitive variables such as HIV-related attitudes, perceived social norms, intentions, and self-efficacy.
Intervention Details This was a research study, not an intervention evaluation. However, it drew on data collected through Uganda Youth Development Link’s (UYDEL) outreach activities, which include vocational training, sexual health services, and mental health counseling for youth in slum communities.
Results Adolescents who abstained from sex were more likely to hold protective beliefs and attitudes: they perceived HIV as a serious issue, had positive views about condoms, believed their peers intended to delay sex, and felt confident in their ability to refuse sex or avoid risky situations. Parental disapproval of sex and peer norms discouraging early sex were significant protective factors. Interestingly, abstainers were less confident about showing affection in non-sexual ways, and there were no significant differences between abstainers and non-abstainers regarding binge drinking or violence exposure.
Conclusions The study concludes that attitudes, perceived norms, intentions, and self-efficacy strongly shape adolescents’ sexual behaviors. Interventions should strengthen these protective socio-cognitive factors, engaging both sexually active and inactive youth to build skills for delaying sexual debut, negotiating safer sex, and fostering resilience in high-risk contexts.
Disclaimer: These summaries were generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and are based on the interpretation of source documents. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, there may be errors or omissions. Users are encouraged to consult the original documents for complete and authoritative information.