Objective: This study, investigated whether high self-efficacy and high self-esteem could predict Batswana males and females intention to practice safe sex. Safe sex behaviors investigated included, consistent use of condoms, abstinence from sex and sticking to one partner.

Method: A self reported anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data from 286 young people aged between 13 and 19 (M = 15.02, SD = 1.02) of which 283 were native citizens of Botswana.

Results: Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). Prior to using multiple regression analysis to predict safe sex practices, Pearson’s correlations were conducted on the two independent variables (self-efficacy, self-esteem) and the outcome variable (safe sex behaviors). The findings suggested that intention to limit partners, intention to abstain and intention to use condoms correlated positively with high selfefficacy. High self-esteem exhibited low correlations with the afore-mentioned sexual behaviors. Multiple regression analysis also showed that self-efficacy had a stronger predictive power on the safe sex behaviors under study in comparison to high self-esteem.

Conclusion: There has been contradicting evidence on some of the literature on whether high self-esteem is better predictor of safe sex practices. In the current study there were no strong positive correlations exhibited on high self-esteem and safe sex behaviors, rather, high self-efficacy was a better predictor of safe sex practices. The country of Botswana has been battling the fight against HIV/Aids for decades and with the current focus being on behavior change, studies like the current will better inform intervention measures used in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS.