| Abstract | This study utilizes data from the 2001-2002 Zambia Demographic and Health  Survey to investigate how knowledge of the ABC prevention methods (Abstain, Be  faithful, use Condoms) affects sexual behavior.  The main hypothesis is that correct  knowledge of a specific HIV prevention method will increase the likelihood of reporting  adoption of that prevention behavior.  Logistic regression results indicate a significant  positive relationship between specific prevention knowledge and prevention behavior for  all three ABC behaviors.  The role of knowledge was greatest in predicting abstinence  behavior among young adults; knowledge of prevention through abstinence increased  probability of reported abstinence by 16 percentage points.  Results confirm the  continued importance of educational interventions to increase prevention knowledge.  In  addition, there were strong differences in the strength of the knowledge effect by gender.   This provides compelling evidence that separate strategies are needed to address  prevention methods for women versus men.  Finally, this study suggests that it may be  time to move from the traditional urban / rural view to one that incorporates regionspecific trends in sexual behaviors.  |