Age at First Sexual Intercourse and Other Determinants of Multiple Sexual Partnership among Sexually Active Adolescent Girls in Ghana: A Regression Analysis of the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey

Desmond Klu, Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana
Michael Odame, University of Environment and Sustainable Development
Evelyn Acquah, University of Health and Allied Sciences

Early sexual debut is a widely recognized public health issue due to its influence on lifetime multiple sexual partners which can lead to complications such as teenage pregnancy, abortion, and HIV/AIDS. However, there is paucity of research evidence on sexual behaviour such as age at sexual debut and multiple sexual partnerships among adolescent girls in Ghana. This study examined the influence of age at first sexual activity and other factors on multiple sexual partnerships among sexually active adolescent girls aged 10-19 in Ghana, using data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Out of 719 weighted respondents, the average age at first sexual intercourse is 15.5 years. Over half (51.6%) reported having two or more sexual partners. Adolescent girls who initiated sex before reaching age 15 were more likely (aOR=2.06) to have multiple partners compared to those who had their first sex before age 20. Religious affiliation correlated with lower odds of multiple partners, while being in a female-headed household or middle-wealth household increased the likelihood. Adolescent girls using modern contraceptives or tested for HIV were also more susceptible to multiple partnerships. Policies promoting delayed sexual debut and empowering adolescents for informed decision-making are recommended for enhancing sexual health.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Health and Morbidity, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Family Planning and Contraception

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