The state of extramarital affairs among Ghanaian men
A surprising revelation from the survey is that 17.5% of married Ghanaian men are involved in extramarital affairs.
This translates to about two in ten married men having more than one sexual partner outside of marriage.
The data is further analyzed to show that 18.4% of these married men were sexually active with people other than their spouses.
The prevalence of multiple sexual partners is not limited to married men. it extends to 18.7% among those who are divorced, separated or widowed, with a significant 69.9% admitting to sex outside of marriage.
The survey also shines a spotlight on the younger demographic. About 10% of men aged 15-24 in Ghana report having multiple sexual partners, with a significant 35.2% engaging in sexual activities outside of a committed relationship.
These data point to a trend of risky sexual behaviors among young people, which poses significant challenges in terms of public health and social norms.
Female sexual behavior and HIV risks
The situation is equally complicated among young women. Despite high levels of awareness, with 79% of young women acknowledging that consistent condom use can reduce HIV risk, there is stark contrast in behaviour.
Alarmingly, 80% of women aged 15-24 engage in sexual activities without the use of condoms. This discrepancy between knowledge and practice is a critical area of concern, especially considering HIV/AIDS statistics.
HIV/AIDS Prevalence: A Gendered Perspective
The Ghana AIDS Commission data for 2022 adds another layer to this complex picture. Women account for two-thirds of all new HIV cases in the country.
In the 2022 national and subnational HIV/AIDS estimates and projections for Ghana, of the 16,574 new HIV infections, women accounted for 10,927 cases, while men accounted for 5,647 cases.
This gender difference in HIV infection rates highlights the need for targeted interventions that address women’s specific vulnerabilities and behaviors in the context of HIV/AIDS.
These findings from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey highlight the urgent need for comprehensive sexual health education and effective intervention strategies.
There is a clear gap between awareness and behaviour, especially among young people and women, which needs to be bridged to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
The evidence calls for a multifaceted approach, including education, access to health care, changes in social norms, and policy reforms, to effectively address these complex sexual health challenges in Ghana.