Published in PLOS One on 2026-06-24, 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: Florence Gyembuzie Wongnaah, Khadijat Adeleye, Augustus Osborne, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0348770
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health issue worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Among women, STIs are associated with an elevated risk of HIV infection, infertility, and pelvic inflammatory diseases. This study examined the prevalence of self-reported STIs and related symptoms and their associated factors among women in Ghana.
Data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey was used for the study. A weighted sample of 12,997 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) was included in the analysis. Four outcome variables were analysed: (1) any STIs, (2) genital discharge, (3) genital sores or ulcers, and (4) a composite measure of any STIs or genital discharge or genital sores/ulcers (STIs and related symptoms). Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with self-reported STIs and related symptoms, with results presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis accounted for sampling weights, clustering, and stratification. All analyses were performed in Stata version 17.0.
The prevalence of self-reported any STIs, genital sores or ulcers, and genital discharge among women in Ghana was 6.4% (95% CI: 5.8–7.1), 9.1% (95% CI: 8.3–10.0), and 21.9% (95% CI: 20.6–23.4), respectively. An estimated 26.7% (95% CI: 25.2–28.2) of women reported STIs and related symptoms. Women aged 40–44 (aOR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52–0.93) and 45–49 (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40–0.76) had lower odds of self-reporting STIs and related symptoms than those aged 15–19. Women who first had sex at age 17 or older (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72–0.91) also had lower odds of self-reporting STIs and related symptoms than those who first had sex at age 16 or younger. Additionally, women with one (aOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.61–0.87), two (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.55–0.85), three (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56–0.90), and four or more children (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.77) had lower odds of self-reporting STIs and related symptoms compared with those without children. Women who were cohabiting (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67–0.98) and those previously married (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62–0.98) had lower odds of self-reporting STIs and related symptoms than those who had never been in a union. Conversely, women who engaged in multiple sexual partnerships (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.48–2.58) and those who visited the health facility in the past 12 months (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08–1.35) had higher odds of self-reporting STIs and related symptoms compared with those without multiple sexual partnerships and those who did not visit the health facility in the past year, respectively. Compared with women from the Western region, those from Ahafo (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.28–2.05) and Northern (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.45–2.28) regions had higher odds of self-reporting STIs and related symptoms.
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 hospital systems 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 Florence Gyembuzie Wongnaah, Khadijat Adeleye, Augustus Osborne, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah. 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: 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
- Evidence brief: Prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infections among unmarried undergraduate university students
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