HORIZONS PROJECT
Comprehensive Behavior Change Communication to Promote the "ABCs": Abstinence, Being Faithful, and Using Condoms

The Horizons program and Family Health International (FHI)/IMPACT developed a collaborative research study in 2004 to explore how adults and youth in Kenya define and perceive the ABC terms and behaviors (abstinence, be faithful, condom use). Additional objectives of the study were to identify attitudes and norms around the ABC behaviors that influence perceptions of them, and the role of important actors in transmitting messages about them. Findings highlight potential challenges in promoting each of the ABC behaviors, as well as some positive elements that can be built upon when developing programs.

For findings to be relevant to a wide audience, two groups were selected to represent general youth and adult populations: working adults at flower farms and in-school youth. Surveys were administered to 538 flower-farm workers ages 18–49 and 1,365 in-school youth ages 13–19 in two communities in the Nakuru District, Molo and Naivasha. In addition, multiple focus group discussions were held with both groups.

Key findings include:

• Most respondents are familiar with the ABC terms.

• Abstinence is the most clearly understood term.

• Negative opinions toward condom use are widespread.

• Abstinence and being faithful are viewed positively, but numerous barriers exist.

• Gender dynamics play a crucial role in the adoption of the ABC behaviors.

• Respondents hear mixed messages about the ABCs.

• Respondents prefer interpersonal sources of information.

An ongoing HIV prevention intervention in Naivasha, being implemented by FHI, builds upon the study findings by bringing together various nongovernmental, civil, and faith-based organizations to coordinate a prevention strategy that is balanced and does not include messages that contradict one another. The intervention focuses on interactive and interpersonal activities, such as discussion groups and street theater.

---

Location

Nakuru District, Kenya

Duration

January 2005–May 2006

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Louis Apicella, Karusa Kiragu, Julie Pulerwitz, Tobey Nelson

Non-Council collaborators

Tiffany Lillie

Family Health International/IMPACT

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources on this project

---

See Also

• Kenya

• Horizons Program

• HIV/AIDS

• HIV/AIDS Prevention

• HIV/AIDS Youth

• Transitions to Adulthood

---