The role of family background on HIV/AIDS awareness and condom use among Secondary School students in Selibe-Phikwe (Botswana)

Edwin E.M. Itshekeng, Ministry of Finance & Development Planning

This study investigated the relationship between family background and adolescent sexuality among secondary school students in Botswana. Study design: The study is cross-sectional and used a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Results: Compared to living in a family of orientation that included both parents, living in a family of orientation that included other adults, other than mother, father, or grandparents, at age 11, significantly reduced the likelihood of condom use at first sexual encounter among adolescents. Also, communication on sexuality issues with a co-resident parent significantly increased the likelihood of both HIV/AIDS awareness and condom use at first sexual encounter among adolescents. The likelihood of condom use increased very significantly when communication was with a grandparent than with a parent(s). On the other hand, punishment for sexually related behavior by a resident adult family member significantly decreased the likelihood of condom use at first sexual encounter among adolescents.