Contextualized theory-based predictors of intention to practice monogamy among adolescents in Botswana junior secondary schools: Results of focus group sessions and a cross-sectional study
Outcomes: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms—particularly those rooted in proverbs, stories, and language—play a powerful role in shaping adolescents’ intentions regarding monogamy in Botswana. Patriarchal norms that valorize male sexual freedom and stigmatize monogamy as a sign of weakness or bewitchment create significant barriers to behaviour change. This study shows that incorporating socio-cultural beliefs into behavioural theory can reveal and help address these underlying social norms, which otherwise remain invisible in structured surveys. Tailoring HIV prevention interventions to local language, beliefs, and cultural narratives can improve their relevance and effectiveness.
Objectives The study aimed to identify and test theory-based and context-specific predictors of adolescents’ intentions to practice monogamy in Botswana, to inform culturally grounded HIV prevention strategies.
Methods A mixed-methods approach was used. Eleven focus group discussions and 24 structured interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 14–17 in urban and semi-urban junior secondary schools. These qualitative findings informed the development of a cross-sectional survey administered to 284 students across eight schools. The survey assessed intention to practice monogamy and its predictors using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), enriched with culturally specific constructs such as socio-cultural and hedonistic beliefs.
Results The study found that adolescents held strong beliefs shaped by local proverbs promoting male promiscuity (e.g., “a man is an axe to be shared”), and that monogamy could signal weakness or supernatural influence. Quantitative analysis showed that attitudes toward monogamy, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control significantly predicted intention to practice monogamy. Additionally, normative beliefs (particularly the approval of fathers and peers) and socio-cultural beliefs were significant predictors, while hedonistic beliefs and anticipated partner reactions were not. The model accounted for 65% of the variance in intention.
Conclusions Integrating local cultural narratives and beliefs into behavioural theories enhances our understanding of what influences adolescent sexual behaviour. This study underscores the importance of developing theory-based interventions that are also culturally contextualized. Addressing social norms that support multiple partnerships, especially among males, is crucial to promoting monogamy and reducing HIV risk. Future interventions should engage traditional forms of communication and local belief systems to shift harmful norms and support sustainable behaviour change.
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