Factors Influencing Sexual Behaviour of Senior High School Students at Cape Coast Metropolis in Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background Adolescent is a period of transition characterised by risk taking behaviours, including sexual behaviour, which may have implications on their health. The study examined sexual behaviour among senior high school students in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Methods The data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey. Through the multi-stage sampling method, 400 students were selected from three Senior High Schools whose ages ranged from 10-19 years. Descriptive and binary logistic regression were statistical techniques used to analysed the data.Data collected were processed using SPSS version 21. Results: Form one students were less likely to engage in sexual intercourse than students in Form two (OR= 0.30, 95% CI=0.15-0.63). Form two students are more engaged in sexual intercourse than form one students. Students who were living with both parents were less likely to engage in sexual intercourse than those who did not live with both parents (OR=0.480, 95% CI=0.240-0.963). Seven percent of the respondents ever visited a health facility/pharmacy to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services Attitude of service providers towards students who access SRH service was negative. These students were unwilling to access SRH services from those facilities in future. Nine percent of the respondents were ever pressurised by people to engage in sexual intercourse. 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 should be encouraged to use contraceptives to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies are of age. Those who are sexually active should be encouraged to use contraceptives to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies