Abstract:
Adolescence is a period of transition characterised by risk taking
behaviours, including sexual behaviour, which may have implications on the
health of the adolescent. The study examined sexual behaviour among Senior
High School students in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The data were 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. Chi-square, binary logistic regression and independent
samples T-test were statistical techniques used to analyse the data.
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 had sex more than twice; the majority of students who had ever
engaged in sexual intercourse did not use contraception. Sixty nine percent of
the sexually active students who used contraceptives used condoms, which
they purchased from pharmacies and chemical shops. 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). Students who lived 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). Students who visited health
facilities for sexual and reproductive health services were faced with negative
attitude from providers.
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 STIs and unplanned
pregnancies.
