OSSREA Publications

 Edward E. Marandu

This study investigates, using the Theory of Reasoned Action and its extensions, factors that determine intention to use condoms among tertiary institution students in Botswana. The data used were obtained from a questionnaire survey of 785 students. The findings partially support existing theory, for the three explanatory factors of intention were significant without controlling for the effect of each other. However, contrary to empirical findings in advanced countries, subjective norm (societal factor) played a larger role in explaining intention than attitude (individual factor). Perceived control also seems to perform better than attitude, although the evidence is mixed. These findings suggest that in Western cultures where individualist freedom is emphasized, behavioural intention would generally be determined by personal attitudes. In the African extended family culture, behavioural intention would be determined not only by personal attitudes, but more so by the attitudes of others (e.g. family, friends and community). Further, the relatively undeveloped economic environment might impose behavioural constraints. In several African countries these broader social-environmental issues pose critical and sometimes binding influence on the behaviour of many individuals. It follows that a study of behavioural intentions in the African scene which places greater emphasis on measuring attitudinal factors may be misleading because of under­specification of the causal social-environmental (perceived societal and perceived control) factors.