Published in PLOS One on 2026-09-24, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Mary Aku Ogum, Joseph Kwame Mintah, Prosper Narteh Ogum, Jacob Owusu Sarfo, Thomas Hormenu, Edward Wilson Ansah
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0358430
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Many young university students are sexually active, but unable to properly handle the responsibilities that come with having sexual intercourse. This could lead to higher rates of sexually transmitted infections. Such behaviours may be because many of these students are becoming independent for the first time as they enter university. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with the rate of sexually transmitted infections among a cohort of young unmarried university students in a developing country, Ghana.
This survey used a convenience sampling method to recruit a large number of undergraduate university students from Ghana. A modified Core Expanded Questions of the Global School-based Student Health Survey [GSHS] questionnaire was used for data collection on sexual behaviours that contribute to HIV/STI and unintended pregnancies. Frequencies, percentages, chi-square, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.
The results revealed that out of the 10,896 students, 5,448 (50%) were male and 5,448 (50%) were female. Overall, 4,124 (37.8%) students were sexually active, whereas 6,772 (62.2%) were not. Among the sexually active unmarried students, 1,506 (36.5%) reported having ever been infected with at least one STI, mostly gonorrhea and syphilis. Furthermore, females (n = 835:62.2%), students aged 20–24 years (n = 838;62.4%), level 200s (n = 443;33.0%), and level 300s (juniors) (440;32.8%), Christians (n = 1007;75%), non-resident students (n = 798;59.0%), those with low socioeconomic status (912;67.9) and those who did not use condom at their last sexual intercourse (897;66.8%) were more likely to be infected with at least an STI. Students aged 20–24 years (AOR = 3.620, 95%CI = 2.435–5.382), those aged 25 years and above (AOR = 1.457, 95%CI = 1.237–1.716), and those at level 300 (juniors)(AOR = 1.038, 95%C.785-1.373) were more likely to suffer from STI. Moreover, Muslims students (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.312–2.703), students from other religions (AOR = 1.390, 95%CI = .939-2.056), those who engaged in anal sex (AOR = 1.351, 95%CI = 1.123–1.624), those who did not use condom during their last sexual encounters (AOR = 1.355, 95%CI = 1.03–1.665) and those whose friends were sexually active (AOR = 3.713, 95%CI = 2.132–6.468) were more likely to report infection with STIs.
There is a high prevalence of STIs among unmarried young university students in Ghana because of an increase in risky sexual behaviours. Unfortunately, this is making the fight against HIV/AIDS and other deadly STIs complicated. Thus, institution-based health education and promotion programmes are required to lower the risk of STIs, including HIV/AIDS, among the students. These findings pose challenges to achieving SDGs 3 and 17, which highlight the need for worldwide collaboration and accelerated efforts to curb STIs by 2030.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Mary Aku Ogum, Joseph Kwame Mintah, Prosper Narteh Ogum, Jacob Owusu Sarfo, Thomas Hormenu, Edward Wilson Ansah. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Self-reported sexually transmitted infections and related symptoms among women in Ghana
- Evidence brief: Risky sexual behaviours and associated factors among high school students in Lomé, Togo: A cross-sectional study
- Evidence brief: Awareness of and positive attitudes toward HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among reproductive-aged women in Ghana: A multilevel analysis of the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey
