Prevalence and factors influencing risky sexual behaviours among university students in Ghana

The increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS and unintended pregnancies is attributed to risky sexual behaviours such as non-use of condoms, alcohol intake before sex, multiple sexual partners, early onset of sex and survival sex. Studies across universities in different countries have shown that university students are more likely to be sexually active and engage in risky sexual behaviours that could have negative consequences on their health and academic life and achievement. Therefore, securing the health and well-being of these students today is crucial for the overall health and development of society. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the prevalence and factors influencing risky sexual behaviours among unmarried undergraduate regular students in a public university in Ghana. This quantitative cross-sectional survey employed a multistage sampling procedure to collect data from 10,896 undergraduate students (5,448 males and 5,448 females). An adapted questionnaire from the Core Expanded Questions of the Global School-based Student Health Survey was used to collect data on students’ sexual behaviours. Frequencies, percentages, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that 38.3% ( n = 4176) of the students were sexually active. Many of these students are engaging in risky sexual behaviours such as non-use of condom 63.7% ( n = 2661), anal sex 16.3% ( n = 682), having multiple sexual partners 45.7% ( n = 1654), early onset of sex 12.4% ( n = 520) and use alcohol/drugs for sex 37.2% ( n = 1552). Also, age, religious affiliation, age at first sexual intercourse, who students live with, and parental communication predicted risky sexual behaviours among these students. The overall magnitude of risky sexual behaviours among the students was 78.8% ( n = 3291). Chronological age, age at first sexual intercourse, factors that influence students’ first sexual intercourse, who students stay with and difficulty in discussing sexual issues with parents are influencing undergraduate students in Ghana to engage in risky sexual behaviours. Public health interventions should take into consideration campus-based counselling and peer education among sexually experienced students.