Peer-reviewed article

Gender differences and factors affecting opinions on condom use and sexual experiences among adolescents in a high teenage pregnancy setting in the Volta Region, Ghana.

Klu D, Agordoh PD, Azagba C, Acquah E, Doegah P et al. · 31 May 2025

Abstract

Background Gender is crucial in understanding the sexual behaviour of adolescents regarding their condom use and sexual experiences. However, not much is known about the role gender plays in adolescents' opinions on condom use and their sexual experiences and other factors that influence these opinions in high-adolescent pregnancy settings in rural Ghana. This study sought to examine the gendered dynamics and factors that shape the opinions of adolescent girls and boys on condom use and how that affects their sexual experiences in the high teenage pregnancy setting of Adaklu District, in the Volta region of Ghana. Methods Data for this study were extracted from a larger primary baseline cross-sectional study among 188 adolescents (109 girls and 79 boys) aged 10-19 years in 30 communities. Data from a semi-structured questionnaire were analyzed using a bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression. Results The results indicate adolescent girls were less likely (aOR = 0.16, CI 0.06-0.43) to agree to the opinion that condoms are an effective way of preventing HIV compared to boys. Adolescent girls are less likely to agree to the opinion that they have been pressured into sex (aOR = 0.15; CI 0.06-0.39), but have higher odds (aOR = 2.58; CI 1.33-1.64) to agree that purchasing condoms is embarrassing for them compared to males. Regarding age, adolescents 10-14 years are less likely (aOR = 0.43; CI 0.19-0.99) to agree that condoms are an effective in preventing HIV compared to those aged 15-19 years. Adolescents aged 10-14 years had higher odds (aOR = 2.91; CI 1.28-6.63) to agree that purchasing condoms is embarrassing for them to compared to the 15-19 year olds. Employment status of adolescents significantly influences their opinion on condom use, where adolescents who are currently employed are more likely to agree to the opinion that it would be embarrassing for them to go and purchase condoms compared to the unemployed ones. Conclusions Gender, age and employment status of adolescents are critical to their sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing, as the study findings show distinct sexual experiences of adolescent boys and girls. These important factors should be considered when formulating sexual and reproductive health policies and programs for adolescents to meet their needs.