Multiple Sexual Partnerships And Sexually Transmitted Infections

ABSTRACT Multiple sexual partners (MSPs) are one of the major risk factors in the acquisition and spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The socio-cultural dynamics and high level of mobility especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Ghana for socio-economic advancement increase the exposure and the risk of MSPs and STIs. This study assesses the relationship between multiple sexual partnerships and the incidence of STIs among adult Ghanaians, using data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). A sample of 6696 females in their reproductive ages (15-49 years) and 2710 males of the same age range, was used in the in this study. Analysis was carried out at three stages. Univariate analysis was used to provide a descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic and selected characteristics of the sample population. The bivariate analysis examined the association between the selected independent variables and the dependent variables, as well as the mediating factors. Multivariate analysis was carried out using binary logistic regression as the outcome variable (Sexually Transmitted Infections – STIs) is dichotomous. This analysis enabled the study to assess how the independent factor (multiple sexual partnerships) and all other factors such as consistent condom usage, sex among others, predict the dependent variable (STIs). The results reveal that 7% of respondents had had more than one sexual partner and one in five sexually active individuals have had an STI during the last 12 months preceding the survey. There was a statistically significant association between sex, respondents’ age, type of place of residence, among others, and sexually transmitted infections, except religion, at the bivariate level. At the multivariate stage where binary logistic regression models were fitted at two levels, the results indicate that having multiple sexual partnerships (MSPs) significantly associates with STIs, which suggests that, having multiple sexual partners strongly predicts acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. The study recommends that enhanced education on risks involved in vi MSPs be undertaken in ensuring people protect themselves from contracting STIs, by having safe sex