The Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2022 by the Ghana Statistical Service provides critical insights into the sexual behaviors of the country's youth. This information is pivotal in understanding public health needs and crafting appropriate interventions.
According to the survey, only 2% of women aged 15–49 reported having more than one sexual partner in the past year, with 12% of these women reporting condom use during their last sexual intercourse. This contrasts with the 15% of men in the same age range who reported multiple partners, of whom 18% used a condom in their last intercourse. This disparity suggests a need for targeted sexual health education and services, with an emphasis on promoting safe sex practices among men, who appear to have a higher rate of partner diversity.
The survey also revealed that 23% of women engaged in sexual activity with a person who was neither their husband nor a cohabitant, with condom use reported at 11% in these encounters. For men, this figure was significantly higher, with 35% reporting sexual intercourse with non-partners or non-cohabitants, and a higher condom use rate of 28%. These statistics highlight a gender gap in sexual activity outside of stable relationships and suggest that men are more likely to use condoms in such scenarios.
Moreover, the mean number of lifetime sexual partners for women was 2.6, compared to 7 for men, underscoring a considerable gender difference in sexual experiences. This difference could have various implications, including the impact on the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the effectiveness of sexual health education programs.
The data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2022 emphasizes the importance of contextualized sexual health education that addresses the specific behaviors and needs of different genders. It suggests that health campaigns in Ghana could benefit from focusing on condom usage, particularly among men who report higher numbers of sexual partners. Additionally, the significant percentage of men and women engaging in sexual activity with non-partners underscores the need for continuous efforts in promoting safe sex practices.
These findings are crucial for policymakers, health educators, and organizations involved in sexual health and family planning services. By understanding the sexual behavior patterns among the youth, tailored programs can be developed to encourage responsible sexual behaviors, reduce the incidence of STIs, and improve the overall sexual health of the population.
This article leverages data from the Ghana Statistical Service and insights from health organizations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sexual health landscape among Ghanaian youth. For more detailed findings and to access the full report, you can click here