Coerced First Sexual Intercourse Among Women in Ghana: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

Using the 2008 Demographic and Health Survey, and applying logit and log-normal hazard models, this study examined the determinants and timing of coerced first sexual intercourse among women aged 15–49 years in Ghana. Results indicate statistically significant relationships between demographic and sociocultural variables on the likelihood and timing of coerced first sexual intercourse among Ghanaian women. Married women were significantly less likely to report coercion at first sex, but had a faster timing to coerced first sex compared to the never married. Older women were significantly less likely to report coerced first sex, compared to younger women. Similarly, women who had their sexual debut at younger ages were more likely to say they were forced, compared to those who experiencing theirs at older ages. While Ewe and Ga Adangbe women were more likely to report coerced first sex, compared to Akans, traditionalists were less likely to do so, compared to Christians. This study highlights the need for critical appraisal of the cultural interpretation of violence and for future studies to explore the causes of this phenomenon.