SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE CAPE COAST METROPOLIS

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.