Factors associated with sexually transmitted infections among young Ghanaian women

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with a history of sexually transmitted infections in Ghanaian women 15 - 24 years. DESIGN: The study was a cross-sectional data analysis of 1280 sexually experienced females from the 2003 Ghana Demographic Health Survey. Using chi square and t-test, those with a history or symptoms of STI were compared with those denying such a history on demographic, individual and partner level variables. Significant variables were entered into logistic regression to identify variables associated with STI. RESULTS: The STI group comprised 12% of the study population. Compared to those denying a history of STI, the STI group was less likely to know where to get condoms (37% vs 23%, p=.001) but more likely to use a condom at their last sexual encounter (27% vs 17%, p=.003). Women in the STI group were significantly less likely to discuss family planning with their partners but more likely to have 2 or more partners in the preceding 12 months. Logistic regression showed that factors associated with STI among sexually active Ghanaian female youth included not knowing where to get condoms and not discussing family planning with partner. CONCLUSION: Majority of sexually experienced Ghanaian female youth do not know where to get condoms. Lack of knowledge of source of condoms was identified as a risk factor for STI for these women.