SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND AND MULTIPLE SEXUAL PARTNERSHIPS IN URBAN GHANA

Risky sexual behavior, defined as having multiple sexual partners or having unprotected sex, is considered to be rampant in urban areas where extramarital sexual networking is more prevalent due to weak values and norms on sexual behavior. Multiple sexual partnerships aggravates problems associated with sexual health, including HIV/AIDS infection. The present study examined multiple sexual partnerships among 3,022 males (15- 59 years) and females (15- 49 years) urban residents interviewed at the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The findings show that the average number of sexual partners was 1.18; the minimum was one (1) and the maximum was ten (10). Ten percent of the respondents had more than one sexual partner. The percentage of males with two or more sexual partners was approximately five times higher than that of females. Results of the binary regression models showed that males, the never married, the poor and the wealthiest were more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than others. The intermediate variable- belief of HIV risk- was not statistically significant in the model. Ghana must intensify the condom use and behavior change campaign and target those subgroups of the population who engage in risky sexual behavior.