Abstinence only

The most thorough evaluations of abstinence only programmes have been done on those in the United States. Several studies have shown some evidence of behavioural and attitude change as a result of these programmes. However, a recent review of evaluations of abstinence only programmes that claimed success concludes that, with the exception of the mass communications programme 'Not Me, Not Now', none of the evaluations produced credible evidence of effectiveness, and evidence from the Not me, Not Now' was limited as well.

However, two studies comparing abstinence only programmes with safer sex programmes conclude that the latter have better long term results, including higher levels of abstinence as well as increased condom use. Evidence from surveys conducted in Zimbabwe also suggests that unless young people receive full factual information, serious misconceptions and misunderstandings about abstinence may result, increasing the chance of risky sexual behaviour.

The role of abstinence in reducing HIV rates in Uganda is disputed. Data suggests that a combination of factors is responsible for the decline, rather than one single intervention approach. These factors include increased condom use, faithfulness and abstinence.