Predictors of risky sexual behavior among students aged 15 to 24 years in the Suhum municipality, Eastern region of Ghana

Abstract

Background Sexual behavior among youths has been a focus of health programmes worldwide. Risky sexual behaviors among youth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) predispose them to HIV infection. The current study determined the predictors of risky sexual behavior among students aged 15–24 years in the Suhum Municipality, Ghana guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods The study employed a cross-sectional design, collecting data using a structured pretested questionnaire and analyzing them using SPSS version 20 software program at the level 0.05. Results The overall prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 59.1% among the participants. None of the constructs of the HBM was statistically associated with risky sexual behavior. However, participants who perceived that they were at risk of contracting HIV and who perceived HIV/AIDS to have severe consequences were more likely to practice safe sexual behavior. Conclusion Health promotion programmes should aim at increasing youths’ perception of the threat posed by HIV/AIDS.