Multiple Sexual Partnerships in Ghana Evidence from 2003 Ghana Demograhic and Health Survey (GDHS, 2003)

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine the magnitude and determinants of multiple sexual partnerships with regard to men's sexual behaviour in Ghana and the implication for public policy. The study employed data from the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS, 2003) to examine the relationships between some selected socio-economic and demographic factors and sexual partnerships in Ghana. Nine independent variables formed the socio-economic characteristics of respondents. These were: age, marital status, occupation, religion, place of residence, region, wealth, age at first sex and education. The levels of sexual partnerships by background characteristics wee shown in the study. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify the most important factors determining sexual partnerships in Ghana. For the multivariate analysis, the logistic regression model was used. The study revealed that multiple sexual partnerships exists, and that about 15% of men aged 15 to 59 years are engaging in multiple sexual partnerships in Ghana. This sexual behaviour varies with socio-economic status of respondents. The study further shows that the most influencing factors of this behaviour are: occupational and educational status of respondents, place of residence and age at first sex. For example, bivariate analysis indicated that age at first sex has an inverse relationship with multiple sexual partnerships. It was also found that men in urban communities and those with high level of education are more likely to have more than one sexual partner than men in rural localities and those without any formal education ~espectively. These results were also substantiated by the multivariate or logistic analysis. The study made several recommendations including the importance of making sex education as part of the school curricular from basic to Junior High School level and the setting up of recreational and communities centers across the country. At these centers, indoor and outdoor games as well as counseling sections on issues about sex and the importance of family planning should form part of the programs for the youth. Older men in our communities were also called upon to show excellent examples for the youth to follow, especially married men who must realize the importance of faithfulness and respect for their wives, the people they love.