Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents In The La-Dadekotopon Municipality Of The Greater Accra Region Of Ghana

ABSTRACT Risky Sexual Behavior is described as any act that augments the risk of getting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or getting pregnant unintentionally. It comprises early sexual debut, sex with someone else apart from regular sexual partner, non-use of condoms during sex, non-use of family planning during sex and sex under the control of alcohol. The rest are sex with someone 10 years or older and sex under the influence of other substances. Given the rapid hormonal changes that occur during adolescence, the exposure to sexually suggestive media content, socio-cultural factors among others, taking sexual risks can be very common, with their attendant consequences of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), unintended pregnancies, dropping out of school, child labour and the ultimate cessation of career development, among others. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among adolescents aged 10-19 years in the La-Dadekotopon municipality and the factors associated with such behaviors. It also identified adolescents’ sources of information on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), in order to make appropriate recommendations to help address their challenges. This study was a cross-sectional survey. It involved adolescents living in three localities: La Central, the Opetentum-Agyemang and La-Koo Areas. From each of these three localities, approximately 150 adolescents were randomly selected. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain information on risky sexual behaviors and associated factors. Key findings and conclusions of the study included a median age of sexual debut at ten years, low usage of condoms, religiosity and parental level of education as factors associated with risky sexual behaviour of adolescents in the municipality. The major recommendation made was a call for action by government, xii traditional and religious authorities, NGOs, families and the youth in addressing adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues.