Pornography has been found to be the most popular influence on sexual behaviour among youth. It is the outcome of research by the School of Medical Sciences of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Dr. Elise Tirza Agyeiwaa Ohene-Kyei led a team to determine the adolescent reproductive health needs and sexual behaviour. As the world marks Sexually-transmitted Infection Day, Luv FM’s Kwasi Debrah has been examining the research findings.

A 2014 study by the University of Cape Coast found 97 per cent of Ghanaian youth uses pornographic materials daily, weekly, monthly or once in a while. 

The Department of Religion and Human Values survey established 90 per cent of them are addicted to pornographic materials.  In 2011, the University of Ghana undertook another survey in Ga Mashie in Greater Accra Region.

It cited poverty, media, family, friends, and personal choice, a positive social institution like school and church as well as sexually explicit materials as major sexual influences.

The study sampled 150 students in the Ga East District and found 51 per cent children were motivated by pornography.  Thirty-seven per cent were also found to have been forced into sexual acts, at least, once.

Dr Elise Tirza Agyeiwaa Ohene-Kyei

The researchers discovered 90 per cent of respondents were satisfactorily knowledgeable about reproductive health. They were however worried 39 per cent of the sexually active had ever used contraceptives such as condoms and pills.

“The practices were not ideal likely due to the stigma associated with exercising their reproductive health rights,” Dr. Tirza said. She believes education and counselling are required to serve the reproductive health needs of the youth.