History of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sex Partners Outside of Marriage Promote Condom Use Among Men in Ghana: Evidence From 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

Anthony Edward Boakye and Rita Tekpertey

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common with varied symptoms and have a profound impact on health. Condoms are widely recommended for the prevention of STIs.

Objective: Based on this, the study attempts to investigate how history of sexually transmitted infections and sex partners outside of marriage promote condom use among men in Ghana.

Methods: Data were extracted from the 2022 GDHS. Frequency distribution, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression were used to make meaning to the data.

Results: It was revealed that heard about other STIs was statistically significant to condom use at p=0.021 (OR=1.634, 95%CI ([1.077-2.480]). Men who had one sex partner, excluding spouse, in the last 12 months was statistically significant at p=0.005, (OR=1.996, 95%CI ([1.225-3.251]). Men who had two sex partners, excluding spouse, in the last 12 months was statistically significant at P<0.001, (OR=5.680, 95%CI [2.584-12.485]). Men who had total number of five (5) sex partners in their lifetime was statistically significant at P=0.033, (OR=2.400, 95%CI [1.072-5.370]).

Conclusion: Based on the findings, the study recommends that stakeholders, NGOs and other bodies that matter in the achievement of SDG 3 which is Good Health and Well-Being should endeavour to help educate the general public on the health needs of having a single sex partner in life and the adoption of condom use.

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