Abstract:
Adolescent is a period of transition characterized by risk taking behaviors, including
sexual behaviour, which may have implications on their health. The study examined sexual
experiences among senior high school students at selected schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis.
Methods: The data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey. Through the multi-stage proportional
sampling method, 400 students were selected from three Senior High Schools whose ages ranged
from ≤ 14 to 19 years. Questionnaire was used to collect the data. Frequencies and independent
samples T-test were statistical techniques used to analyze the data. Data collected were processed
using SPSS version 21.
Results: Fourteen percent of the respondents had ever had sexual intercourse. Fifty three percent
of the respondents who had ever had sex, had it with multiple sexual partners, and had sex more
than twice. About 71% of the sexual partners of those who ever had sex were 10 to 14 years old at
their sexual debut. There was statistically significant differences between males and females who
ever had sex in terms of lifetime sexual intercourse (p= <0.001) and age at sexual debut (p=0.02). A
statistically significant difference was also observed in scores for males and females (p=0.019). There
was no statistical significant difference in scores for males and females (p=0.47).
Conclusion: Students, who have not already engaged in sexual activities, should be encouraged
to abstain until they are of age. Those who are sexually active and should be encouraged to use
contraceptives to prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
