Understanding the association between exposure to family planning messages and consistent condom use among never married men in Ghana

Abstract

Background Despite considerable efforts to promote condom use, sexually active people in sub-Sahara Africa still engage in risky sexual behaviours, with condom use relatively low. With this high vulnerability of these persons to HIV and sexually transmitted infections, research related to exposure to family planning messages to help curb this trend remains sparse. This study examined how exposure to family planning messages in the midst of some socio-demographic factors is associated with consistent condom use among sexually active never married men in Ghana. Methods Data were obtained from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of Ghana. Only never married men (15–64 years) who have had sexual experience in the last 12 months were included in the analysis (N = 971). Frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. Results of the binary logistic regression analysis were presented using crude odds ratios (cOR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Results The results showed that only 26.15% of sexually active never married men in Ghana consistently used condom during sex. Men who were exposed to family planning messages were 51% more likely use condom consistently compared to those who are not exposed [aOR = 1.51, CI = 1.04–2.18]. In terms of the covariates, the likelihood of consistent condom use among men in Ghana was lower among those aged 35 years and above compared to those aged 15–24 [aOR = 0.46 CI = 0.21–0.99]. The odds of consistent condom use among men increased with level of education, with men with higher level of education having the highest odds of consistent condom use compared to those with no formal education [aOR = 9.98, CI = 2.05–48.46]. Men of the richest wealth quintile were more likely to use condom consistently compared to those of the poorest wealth quintile [aOR = 2.62, CI = 1.30–5.27]. Higher odds of consistent condom use was found among men who dwelled in the Central, Northern, and Upper East regions compared to those of the Western region. Conclusion Our findings have established a strong association between exposure to family planning messages alongside age, educational level, wealth, and region of residence and consistent condom use. Men exposed to family planning messages were more likely to use condoms consistently. Designed programs should use intervention strategies that focus on interactive and participatory educational activities to improve sexually active men’s interpersonal communication on family planning messages, especially on consistent condom use with their sexual partners.

Level of knowledge associated with practice of safe sex for HIV prevention among administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County, Kenya

“…The outcomes were in line with a study done in Ghana, where the majority of participants accurately stated that using condoms regularly, especially with those who have several partners, was one of the most efficient ways to engage in safe sex. 18 The findings support an Australian study that found the majority of participants believed having a single sexual partner was one of the safest ways to engage in sexual activity. 19 Regarding frequency of getting tested for STIs by a person engaged in unsafe sex, the results showed that most of the participants did not have an idea on the frequency of getting tested.…”

Effect of comprehensive knowledge of HIV on risky sexual behaviours associated with HIV transmission among adult Ugandans: a propensity score-matched analysis

“…One study which analysed the Ghana DHS found exposure to family planning messages is associated with a higher likelihood of consistent condom use among sexually active never-married men. 29 Using the level of education as a proxy for comprehensive knowledge of HIV, one study that analysed DHS data for 29 countries in SSA reports that among men who pay for sex, those that attained a secondary level of education are more likely to use condoms consistently. 30 In Uganda, less than half of the population aged 15–54 years have comprehensive knowledge of HIV.…”

Awareness and Willingness to use Condoms and Preexposure Prophylaxis among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Cisgendered Men who Have sex with men in Slum Communities in Ghana. BSGH-004

“…62 Hence, many health providers and promoters urged its use, especially among individuals at an increased risk of infection. [63][64][65] Several interventions have been employed in Ghana to encourage condom use. 48,49,63,66,67 One of the major intervention approaches in the country to increase condom use, especially among individuals who are at an increased risk of infection in Ghana is the Ghana Nation Condom and Water Based Lubricant Programming Strategy 2014-2019.…”

“…[63][64][65] Several interventions have been employed in Ghana to encourage condom use. 48,49,63,66,67 One of the major intervention approaches in the country to increase condom use, especially among individuals who are at an increased risk of infection in Ghana is the Ghana Nation Condom and Water Based Lubricant Programming Strategy 2014-2019. The intervention was a conscious approach by the government in collaboration with multiple nongovernmental and community-based organizations to identify barriers within Ghana that impacted condom use and employ strategies that addressed the needs of different segments of the Ghanaian population.…”