Sexual Experiences among Senior High Students at Selected Schools in Cape Coast Metropolis in Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: 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.