Adolescents first sex experience: More women have sex at an earlier age than men -Survey

The latest Demographic and Health Survey on young people’s sexual experience of first sex reveals that more women have sex at an earlier age compared to men.

Stakeholders at the dissemination of the report are concerned about the youth’s lack of understanding of sexual reproductive health issues, leading to discussions on the most effective teaching methods.

The study involved 154 respondents, including 114 young women and 40 young men aged 20-49, from the Ashanti and Northern regions. It revealed a prevalence of sexual violence and coercion, particularly among young girls and women, leading to their early sexual activities.

Romantic and sexual relationships significantly impact young people’s development from childhood to adulthood, whether within or before marriage. And the circumstances in which first sex occurs may shape ones’ life trajectories, health and wellbeing outcomes.

The study found that one in five respondents had their first sex with someone they were not in a relationship with, while all respondents in the Ashanti Region and all male respondents in the Northern Region reported having sex when they were not married.

Dr. Akosua Owusu–Ansah, a senior lecturer at the University of Education Winneba who made the presentation of the data expressed concern how most of the female respondents were coerced into having sex. The research however did not say the influencers of the coercion.

‘‘In Ghana, high levels of sexual violence and/or coercion are common especially for young girls and women. Percentage for coercion and/or violence at the time of first sexual intercourse ranges from 14 to 18% for girls and 12% for boys. There are often multiple factors at play which motivate the first sexual experience among the respondents, one of which is to affirm love to the partner,’’ she said.

The Ghana Statistical Service is hopeful policy makers will use the data available to plan decisions concerning the trend in reproductive health among adolescents in the country.

Deputy Government Statistician Faustina Frempong -Ainguah said this should inform policymakers about the relevance of the reproductive sexual rights of adolescents.

‘‘More serious is that, all the men and women in the qualitative research that were engaged, engaged in sex before marriage. The admonition to policy makers and every one of us is that lets call a spade a spade. And let’s teach them. They know more than we do. Let’s educate them so that they will understand and know what the effects and disadvantages to their health are. Now children 9yrs old are having sex,’’ she said.