A recently released Ghana Statistical Service’s Ghana Demographic and Health Survey report has uncovered a fascinating correlation between education levels and sexual behavior, particularly among men.
The findings suggest that as men ascend the academic ladder, the likelihood of having multiple sexual partners increases.
Among men without formal education, 14.5% reported having more than two partners, and 18.6% engaged in sexual relations with someone other than their wife or cohabitant.
The percentages rise progressively with each educational level attained, with 15.1% of secondary school graduates and 15.4% of men with tertiary education reporting having more than two partners.
In a remarkable contrast, the survey reveals a reverse trend for women. As their education levels increase, the reported number of sexual partners decreases. For uneducated women, only 1.0% had more than two partners, compared to 2.8% for those with basic (primary level) education, 2.4% for secondary school graduates, and 1.5% for women with tertiary education.
The data also sheds light on the percentage of women engaging in sexual activities outside of marriage or cohabitation. Among uneducated women, 6.9% reported such instances, which dropped to 21.5% for those with basic education, 27.3% for secondary school graduates, and 25.2% for women with tertiary education.
These findings open a window into the complex interplay between education and sexual behavior in Ghanaian society. While men with higher education appear more likely to have multiple partners, women with advanced education levels tend to report fewer sexual partners.
As debates on the relationship between education and societal norms continue, this report provides valuable insights into the diverse dynamics that shape intimate relationships and behaviors in contemporary Ghana.