Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Sexual Coercion Among Students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Sexuality & Culture Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Sexual coercion refers to strategies that result in an individual engaging in sexual activity against his or her will. Ecological factors influence the way sexual interactions occur; however, the relationship between these factors and sexual coercion has not been explored among university students in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to examine sexual coercion among university students in Ghana by specifically examining individual-level factors (age, gender, sexual debut, age differential with first partner, being in an intimate relationship, history of abortion, and past experiences with transactional sex) and the experience of forced and coerced sex. Residential students at the University of Cape Coast were invited to participate and completed a survey on a tablet computer. Questions included demographics; sexual and reproductive health experiences and knowledge; and attitudes and experiences with abortion. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine individual-level factors associated with experiences of sexual coercion and forced sex. There were 480 females and 556 males that completed the survey; 26.3 and 16.4% reported having had intercourse either because they were forced or coerced, or when they were “very unwilling”. These students were more likely to be female (OR 3.5), to have had an abortion (OR 2.9), and to have engaged in transactional sex (OR 1.9). Many University of Cape Coast students are experiencing forced or coerced sex. Programs targeting both female and male students as both victims and perpetrators of sexual violence in this population are sorely needed. Primary prevention of sexual violence is one promising field.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abma, J., Driscoll, A., & Moore, K. (1998). Young women’s degree of control over first intercourse: An exploratory analysis. Family Planning Perspectives, 30(1), 12–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adjei, B., Wolterbeek, R., & Peters, A. A. W. (2015). An evaluation of the current state of sexual and reproductive health and rights of women in Ghana. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 36(4), 155–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ajuwon, A. J., Akin-Jimoh, I., Olley, B. O., & Akintola, O. (2001a). Perceptions of sexual coercion: Learning from young people in Ibadan, Nigeria. Reproductive Health Matters, 9(17), 128–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ajuwon, A., Olley, B. O., Akin-Jimoh, I., & Akintola, O. (2001b). Experience of sexual coercion among adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 5(3), 120–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amoakohene, M. I. (2004). Violence against women in Ghana: A look at women’s perceptions and review of policy and social responses. Social Science and Medicine, 59(11), 2373–2385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, L. A., & Whiston, S. C. (2005). Sexual assault education programs: A meta-analytic examination of their effectiveness. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 29, 374–388.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersson, N., Ho-Foster, A., Matthis, J., Marokoane, N., Mashiane, V., Mhatre, S., et al. (2004). National cross-sectional study of views on sexual violence and risk of HIV infection and AIDS among South African school pupils. British Medical Journal, 329(7472), 952–957.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ankomah, A. (1999). Sex, love, money and AIDS: The dynamics of premarital sexual relationships in Ghana. Sexualities, 2(3), 291–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Archampong, E., & Baidoo, J. B. (2011). The treatment of consent in sexual assault law in Ghana. The equality effect. Accessed from http://theequalityeffect.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/consent-paper-Ghana-EA-JB.pdf. September 24, 2015.

  • Baba-Djara, M., Brennan, A., Corneliess, C., Agyarko-Poku, T., Akuoko, K., Baffuor Opoku, K., Adu-Sarkodie, Y., & Beard, B. (2013) “Using what you have to get what you want”: Vulnerability to HIV and prevention needs of female post-secondary students engaged in transactional sex in Kumasi, Ghana. A qualitative study. Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University.

  • Barnett, B., & Stein, J. (1998). Women’s voices, women’s lives: The impact of family planning. Research Triangle Park, NC: Family Health International.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bingheimer, J. B., & Reed, E. (2014). Risk for coerced sex among female youth in Ghana: Roles of family context, school enrollment and relationship experience. International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 40(4), 184–195. doi:10.1363/4018414.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Black, M. C., Basile, K. C., Breiding, M. J., Smith, S. G., Walters, M. L., Merrick, M. T., et al. (2011). National intimate partner and sexual violence survey. Atlanta, GA: CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanc, A. K. (2001). The effect of power in sexual relationships on sexual and reproductive health: An examination of the evidence. Studies in Family Planning, 32(3), 189–213. [PubMed: 11677692].

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blanc, A. K., Melnikas, A., Chau, M., & Stoner, M. (2013). A review of the evidence on multi-sectoral interventions to reduce violence against adolescent girls. New York: Population Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blum, R. W., & Mmari, N. K. (2004). The health of young people in a global context. Journal of Adolescent Health, 35(5), 402–418.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyer, D., & Fine, D. (1992). Sexual abuse as a factor in adolescent pregnancy and child maltreatment. Family Planning Perspectives, 24(1), 4–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brecklin, L. R., & Forde, D. R. (2001). A meta-analysis of rape education programs. Violence and Victims, 16, 303–321.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, S. S., & Eisenberg, L. (1995). The best intentions: Unintended pregnancy and the well-being of children and families. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buga, G. A., Amoko, D. H., & Ncayiyana, D. J. (1996). Sexual behaviour, contraceptive practice and reproductive health among school adolescents in rural Transkei. South African Medical Journal, 86(5), 523–527.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butler, R. J., & Burton, L. M. (1990). Rethinking teenage childbearing: Is sexual abuse a missing link? Family Relations, 39(2), 73–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caceres, C. F., Vanoss Marín, B., & Sid, Hudes E. (2000). Sexual coercion among youth and young adults in Lima, Peru. Journal of Adolescent Health, 27(5), 361–367.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Casey, E. A., & Lindhorst, T. P. (2009). Toward a multi-level, ecological approach to the primary prevention of sexual assault: Prevention in peer and community contexts. Trauma Violence & Abuse, 10(2), 91–114. doi:10.1177/1524838009334129.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2004). Sexual violence prevention: Beginning the dialogue. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cokkinides, V., Coker, A. L., Sanderson, M., Addy, C., & Bethea, L. (1999). Physical violence during pregnancy: Maternal complications and birth outcomes. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 93(5), 661–666.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curry, M. A., Perrin, N., & Wall, E. (1998). Effects of abuse on maternal complications and birth weight in adult and adolescent women. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 92(4), 530–534.

    Google Scholar 

  • Darteh, E. K. M., Doku, D. T., & Essia-Donkoh, K. (2014). Reproductive health decision making among Ghanaian women. Reproductive Health, 11, 23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dartnall, E., & Jewkes, R. (2013). Sexual violence against women: The scope of the problem. Best Practice & Research: Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 27(1), 3–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dickson, N., Paul, C., Herbison, P., & Silva, P. (1998). First sexual intercourse: Age, coercion, and later regrets reported by a birth cohort. BMJ, 316(7124), 29–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dietz, P. M., Spitz, A. M., Anda, R. F., Williamson, D. F., McMahon, P. M., Santelli, J. S., et al. (1999). Unintended pregnancy among adult women exposed to abuse or household dysfunction during their childhood. Journal of the American Medical Association, 282(14), 1359–1364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erulkar, A. S. (2004). The experiences of sexual coercion among young people in Kenya. International Family Planning Perspectives, 30(4), 182–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farmer, P., Conners, M., & Simmons, J. (1996). Women, poverty, and AIDS: Sex, drugs, and structural violence. Monroe, ME: Common Courage Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, B. S., Cullen, F. T., & Turner, M. G. (2000). The sexual victimization of college women. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • García-Moreno, C. (2013). Global and regional estimates of violence against women: Prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence. World Health Organization.

  • Garcia-Moreno, C., Jansen, H. A. F. M., Ellsberg, M., Heise, L., & Watts, C. H. (2006). Prevalence of intimate partner violence: Findings from the WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence. Lancet, 368(9543), 1260–1269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gazmararian, J. A., Adams, M. M., Saltzman, L. E., Johnson, C. H., Bruce, F. C., Marks, J. S., et al. (1995). The relationship between pregnancy intendedness and physical violence in mothers and newborns. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 85(6), 1031–1038.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glover, E. K., Bannerman, A., Pence, B. W., Jones, H., Miller, R., Weiss, E., et al. (2003). Sexual health experiences of adolescents in three Ghanaian towns. International Family Planning Perspectives, 29(1), 32–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gubhaju, B. B. (2002). Adolescent reproductive health in Asia. Asia Pacific Population Journal, 17(4), 97–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, M., Chappell, L. C., Parnell, B. L., Seed, P. T., & Bewley, S. (2014). Associations between intimate partner violence and termination of pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Medicine, 11(1), e100158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Havanon, N. (1996). Talking to men and women about their sexual relationships: Insights from a Thai study. In S. Zeidenstein & K. Moore (Eds.), Learning about sexuality: A practical beginning (pp. 110–118). New York: Population Council and International Women’s Health Coalition.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heise, L., Moore, K., & Youbia, N. (1995). Sexual coercion and reproductive health: A focus on research. New York: Population Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hewett, P. C., Mensch, B. S., & Erulkar, S. (2004). Consistency in the reporting of sexual behavior by adolescent girls in Kenya: A comparison of interviewing methods. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 80(Suppl II), ii43–ii48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hines, D. A. (2007). Predictors of sexual coercion against women and men: A multilevel, multinational study of university students. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 36(3), 403–422. doi:10.1007/s10508-006-9141-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hines, D. A., & Palm Reed, K. M. (2015). An experimental evaluation of peer versus professional educators of a bystander program for the prevention of sexual and dating violence among college students. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 24, 279–298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hof, C., & Richters, A. (1999). Exploring the intersections between teenage pregnancy and gender violence: Lessons from Zimbabwe. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 3(1), 51–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hulton, L. A., Cullen, R., & Khalokho, S. W. (2000). Perceptions of the risks of sexual activity and their consequences among Ugandan adolescents. Studies in Family Planning, 31(1), 35–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jejeebhoy, S., & Bott, S. (2003). Non-consensual sexual experiences of young people: A review of evidence from developing countries. Working paper, New Delhi: Population Council.

  • Jewkes, R., Penn-Kekana, L., Levin, J., Ratsaka, M., & Schrieber, M. (2001a). Prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of women in three South African Provinces. South African Medical Journal, 91, 421–428. [PubMed: 11455808].

    Google Scholar 

  • Jewkes, R., Sen, P., & Garcia-Moreno, C. (2002). Sexual violence. In E. Krug, L. Dahlberg, J. A. Mercy, A. B. Zwi, & R. Lozano (Eds.), World report of violence and health (pp. 147–181). Geneva, Switzerland: The World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jewkes, R., Vundule, C., Maforah, F., & Jordaan, E. (2001b). Relationship dynamics and teenage pregnancy in South Africa. Social Science and Medicine, 52(5), 733–744.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalichman, S. C., Simbayi, L. C., Kaufman, M., Cain, D., Cherry, C., Jooste, S., et al. (2005). Gender attitudes, sexual violence, and HIV/AIDS risks among men and women in Cape Town, South Africa. The Journal of Sex Research, 42(4), 299–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koenig, M. A., Zablotska, I., Lutalo, T., Nalugoda, F., Wagman, J., & Gray, R. (2004). Coerced first intercourse and reproductive health among adolescent women in Rakai, Uganda. International Family Planning Perspectives, 30(4), 156–163.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krug, E. G., Dahlberg, L. L., Mercy, J. A., Zwi, A. B., & Lozano, R. (Eds.). (2002). World report on violence and health. Geneva: World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leclerc-Madlala, S. (2003). Transactional sex and the pursuit of modernity. Social Dynamics, 29(2), 213–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luke, N., & Kurz, K. M. (2002). Cross-generational and transactional sexual relations in sub-Saharan Africa: Prevalence of behaviour and implications for negotiating safer sex practices. Washington, USA: International Centre for Research on Women.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mah, T., & Halperin, D. T. (2008). Concurrent sexual partnerships and the HIV epidemic in Africa: The evidence to move forward. AIDS Behaviour, 14, 11–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manlove, J., Terry-Humen, E., Papillo, A. R., Franzetta, K., Williams, S., & Ryan, S. (2001). Background for community-level work on positive reproductive health in adolescence: Reviewing the literature on contributing factors. ERIC Clearinghouse.

  • Martin, S. L., Kilgallen, B., Tsui, A. O., Maitra, K., Singh, K. K., & Kupper, L. L. (1999). Sexual behaviors and reproductive health outcomes: Associations with wife abuse in India. Journal of the American Medical Association, 282(20), 1967–1972.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matasha, E., Ntembelea, T., Mayaud, P., Saidi, W., Todd, J., Mujaya, B., et al. (1998). Sexual and reproductive health among primary and secondary school pupils in Mwanza, Tanzania: Need for intervention. AIDS Care, 10(5), 571–582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, A. M., Awusabo-Asare, K., Madise, N., John-Langba, J., & Kumi-Kyereme, A. (2007). Coerced first sex among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa: Prevalence and context. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 11(3), 62–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morhe, R. A. S., & Morhe, E. S. K. (2013). The law on defilement in Ghana and challenges in its implementation at the Ejisu-Juabeng domestic violence and victims support unit of the Ghana Police Service. Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization, 16, 23–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulugeta, E., Kassaye, M., & Berhane, Y. (1998). Prevalence and outcomes of sexual violence among high school students. Ethiopian Medical Journal, 36(3), 167–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (2004). Global perspectives on sexual violence: Findings from the World Report on violence and health. Retrieved from http://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/Publications_NSVRC_Booklets_Global-perspectives-on-sexual-violence.pdf.

  • Norman, I. D., Awiah, B., Norvivor, F. A., Komesuor, J., Kweku, M., & Binka, F. N. (2016). Homosexuality in Ghana. Advances in Applied Sociology, 6(01), 12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ohene, S. A., Johnson, K., Atunah-Jay, S., & Owusu, A. (2015). Sexual and physical violence victimization among senior high school students in Ghana: Risk and protective factors. Social Science and Medicine, 146, 266–275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osei, I. F., Mayhew, S. H., Biekro, L., & Collumbien, M. (2014). Fertility decisions and contraceptive use at different stages of relationships: Windows of risk among men and women in Accra. International Perspectives on Family Planning, 40(3), 135–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pallitto, C. C., Campbell, J. C., & O’Campo, P. (2005). Is intimate partner violence associated with unintended pregnancy? A review of the literature. Trauma, Violence, and Abuse, 6(3), 217–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rao Gupta, G., & Weiss, E. (1993). Women’s lives and sex: Implications for AIDS prevention. Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry, 17, 399–412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rominski, S. D., Gupta, M., Aborigo, R., Adongo, P., Engman, C., & Moyer, C. A. (2014). Female autonomy and reported abortion-seeking in Ghana, West Africa. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 126(3), 217–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roosa, M. W., Tein, J. Y., Reinholtz, C., & Angelini, P. J. (1997). The relationship of childhood sexual abuse to teenage pregnancy. Journal of Marriage and Family, 59(1), 119–130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rwenge, M. (2000). Sexual risk behaviors among young people in Bamenda, Cameroon. International Family Planning Perspectives, 26(3):118–123, 130.

  • Say, L., Chou, D., Gemmill, A., Tunçalp, O., Moller, A. B., Daniels, J., et al. (2014). Global causes of maternal death: A WHO systematic analysis. Lancet Global Health, 2, e323–e333.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, J. G., Gupta, J., Decker, M. R., Kapur, N., & Raj, A. (2007). Intimate partner violence and unwanted pregnancy, miscarriage, induced abortion, and stillbirth among a national sample of Bangladeshi women. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 114(10), 1246–1252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, S., Mudaly, R., & Singh-Pillay, A. (2015). The what, who and where of female students’ fear of sexual assault on a South African University campus. Agenda, 29(3), 97–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Somse, P., Chapko, M. K., & Hawkins, R. V. (1993). Multiple sexual partners: Results of a national HIV/AIDS survey in the Central African Republic. AIDS, 7(4), 579–583.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stanger-Hall, K. F., & Hall, D. W. (2011). Abstinence-only education and teen pregnancy rates: Why we need comprehensive sex education in the US. PLoS ONE, 6(10), e24658.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, D., & Cecutti, A. (1993). Physical abuse during pregnancy. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 149(9), 1257–1263.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stockman, J. K., Lucea, M. B., & Campbell, J. C. (2013). Forced sexual initiation, sexual intimate partner violence and HIV risk in women: A global review of the literature. AIDS and Behavior, 17, 832–847. doi:10.1007/s10461-012-0361-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tenkorang, E. Y., & Owusu, Y. A. (2013). Coerced fist sexual intercourse among women in Ghana: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey. Sexuality and Culture, 17, 167–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Decraen, E., Michielsen, K., Herbots, S., Van Rossem, R., & Temmerman, M. (2012). Sexual coercion among in-school adolescents in Rwanda: Prevalence and correlates of victimization and normative acceptance. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 16(3), 140–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Varga, C. A. (2003). How gender roles influence sexual and reproductive health among South African adolescents. Studies in Family Planning, 34, 160–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, K., Maforah, A., & Jewkes, R. (1998). “He forced me to love him”: Putting violence on adolescent sexual health agendas. Social Science and Medicine, 47(2), 233–242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (2005). WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women: Initial results on prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses. Geneva: World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Sarah D. Rominski & Cheryl A. Moyer

  2. Global REACH, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Sarah D. Rominski & Cheryl A. Moyer

  3. Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Cheryl A. Moyer

  4. Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

    Eugene K. M. Darteh

  5. School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Michelle L. Munro-Kramer

Authors
  1. Sarah D. Rominski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Cheryl A. Moyer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Eugene K. M. Darteh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Michelle L. Munro-Kramer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sarah D. Rominski.

Ethics declarations

All procedures performed in this study were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments. The survey and all study procedures received ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Michigan (HUM00092213) and was approved by the University of Cape Coast.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Rominski, S.D., Moyer, C.A., Darteh, E.K.M. et al. Sexual Coercion Among Students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Sexuality & Culture 21, 516–533 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-016-9402-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-016-9402-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation