Non-condom use behaviour of adolescents in South Africa – an integrative model of contextual factors and individual determinants

Abstract

High risk behaviour in adolescents is a key problem in South Africa. Male condoms are one of the most important effective methods currently available for the prevention of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. This article analyzes contextual non-condom use behaviour of adolescents in South Africa. To understand individuals within their context, additions to Theory of Planned Behaviour are made and contextual factors are added. The processes related to sexual risk behaviour are analyzed within the family life, education, health facilities and friends & relationships places where young people deal with and learn about sexuality. We demonstrate how aspects such as attitude, but also social norms, perceived control behaviour and aspects related to the actual behaviour control have influence on non-condom use behaviour and explain how contextual factors, such as political-economical, geographic-demographic and social-cultural processes are related to individual determinants. This integrated model guides to understand non-use of condoms and to systematically develop health intervention programmes.