Factors associated with sexual abstinence behavior in Chadian and Cameroonian adolescents and young adults

Background: Sexual abstinence represents a reproductive health-promoting behavior for young people and a better strategy to prevent them from the risks of early sexual initiation and negative sexual consequences. Little is known about factors associated with abstinent behavior in Chad and Cameroon. Therefore, this study examines the influence of sexual abstinence beliefs, sexual self-control, and attitudes towards sexual abstinence on sexual abstinence behaviors among school-going Chadian and Cameroonian adolescents and young adults. Methods: A total of 1,158 students from high schools aged between 15-24 years, selected using time-location sampling technique in Chad and Cameroon were involved in the study. A self-administered questionnaire composite of Beliefs in Abstinence until Marriage Scale, Attitude Scale about Sexual Abstinence, Sexual Self-Control Scale, sexual behavior, and demographic characteristics was administered. Data analyses were done with statistical software SPSS, v.20 using frequencies, means, and Generalized Linear Models. Results: Models are statistically good in explaining primary sexual abstinence, secondary sexual abstinence and intention to abstain from sex in Chad and Cameroon (p<0.05). Controlling for some sociodemographic characteristics, sexual abstinence beliefs, sexual self-control, and attitudes towards sexual abstinence were better predictors of abstinent behavior, especially primary abstinent behavior (p<0.05). Conclusion: Educational programs aiming at delaying sexual intercourse and promoting sexual abstinence should include sexual abstinence beliefs, sexual self-control, attitudes towards sexual abstinence, and pornography literacy. Keywords: Sexual Abstinence Beliefs, Sexual Self-Control, Attitudes, Young People, Sexual Abstinence, Chad, Cameroon.