The Impact of Social Capital on Condom Use at Last Sex Among Sexually Active Young People in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional...

Young people in Ghana face heightened risks of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, yet condom use remains inconsistent despite widespread awareness of HIV prevention strategies. Social capital, defined as the resources and support accessed through social networks, has emerged as a potentially important factor influencing sexual and reproductive health behaviors among youth. However, the relationship between social capital and condom use among sexually active young people in Ghana is not well understood.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between social capital variables and condom use at last sex among sexually active young people in Ghana.

A cross-sectional quantitative study design was conducted via a community-based household survey among young people aged 15-24 years in the South Tongu district of Ghana. A multistage cluster sampling method was employed to sample 792 youth for the study. Data collection utilized well-designed semi-structured questionnaires. Analysis of the data was performed via STATA version 16.

The study found that 68.6% of respondents reported using a condom at their last sexual encounter. Multivariate logistic regression shows that area of residence, marital status, and four dimensions of social capital were significantly associated with condom use at last sex. Strong networks of connection were associated with higher odds of condom use (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.20-2.82; p = 0.005), while High social inclusion was also associated with higher odds of condom use (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.01-2.48; p = 0.045). In contrast, high trust in people and institutions was associated with 30% lower odds of condom use (AOR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51-0.97; p = 0.033). In addition, high overall social capital was associated with higher odds of condom use at last sex (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.02-1.93; p = 0.039).

This study found a relatively high level of condom use at last sex among sexually active young people. Selected dimensions of social capital were significantly associated with condom use. Strong networks of connection, higher empowerment, and greater social inclusion, and higher overall social capital were associated with condom use, whereas higher trust in people and institutions was associated with lower odds. In support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.7, which seeks to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, interventions should strengthen youth empowerment and supportive social networks while improving access to appropriate sexual and reproductive health information and condom services among young people.