Socio-Economic Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Women of Reproductive Age in Ghana; Results of the 2006 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey

Abstract:     
The paper examines the effect of some key socio-economic variables on the decision to use condoms during the last sexual activity among women in their reproductive age. Using data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) - 2006 with a nationally representative sample of 1681 and a probit model, we find that poverty still takes a major part in the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Ghana with a significant positive relationship between the wealth score variable and the decision to use condoms. Poorer women were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour. The results also show that, education of adolescent women pays off as more educated women are less vulnerable to HIV infection. Older adolescent women were more likely to involve in risky sexual behaviour.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 13

Keywords: Risky sexual behaviour, condom use, HIV/AIDS, Ghana

JEL Classification: I10

working papers series