Impact of Sexual Behavior on the Psychosocial Functioning Among Adolescents in Botswana

Sexual behaviors among adolescents have garnered significant scholarly research across many countries globally. While research on sexual behaviors in Botswana has been linked to health problems such as HIV and teenage pregnancy, this study provides empirical evidence on psychosocial functioning in sexual behaviors among adolescents in Botswana. Data used in this study were derived from a behavioral and biological cross-sectional survey conducted in 2016. The survey adopted a multistage design and yielded a sample of 7205 female and male adolescents from schools in urban and rural areas in Botswana. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, the analysis used the chi-square test for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis to show the association between sexual behaviors and psychosocial functioning. The results showed that individuals who had sex after taking alcohol or drugs, exchanged sex for gifts, money, or drugs, reported sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), and were forced to engage in sex showed higher prevalence of feeling hopeless, lack of self-confidence, and attempted suicide. Interestingly, the adjusted odds ratio shows that engaging in sex for money, gifts, or drugs was associated with hopelessness, attempted suicide, and lack of confidence. Moreover, engaging in sex under the influence of substances was associated with attempted suicide. The findings suggest the need for a broad strategy for a comprehensive strategy that encourages the need for safer sex education, abstinence, and awareness toward adolescents who turn to sexual activities as a means of gaining material things.