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Paper short abstract

Research indicates that persons with disabilities (PwDs) can and do have fulfilling sexual lives. Therefore, this study examines the sexual behaviour of PwDs in Ghana, focusing on the frequency of sexual intercourse and the number of sexual partners per year.

Paper long abstract

Research indicates that persons with disabilities (PwDs) can and do have fulfilling sexual lives; however, there is a paucity of literature on their sexual behaviour in Ghana. This study examines the sexual behaviour of PwDs in Ghana, focusing on the frequency of sexual intercourse and the number of sexual partners per year. The sample for the study comprises 381 respondents aged 18 years and older, living in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Descriptive statistics, Poisson regression and binary logistic regression were employed in the analysis of primary data collected in December 2022. A little more than half of the respondents had physical disabilities (54.3%), approximately 65% had never been married, and about a quarter reported that they had never engaged in sexual intercourse. A higher percentage of males (17.5%) than females (4.1%) engaged in sexual intercourse weekly or more frequently, and those with hearing and speech disabilities also engaged in sexual intercourse frequently and had more sexual partners than those with physical and visual impairments. Socio-demographic variables associated with sexual activity included current age, marital status, religion, number of sexual partners, and employment status. The study concludes that sexual partnership and frequent intercourse are not uncommon among PwDs. There is, therefore, a need to provide accessible sexual and reproductive health services and information to PwDs. Furthermore, eliminating prejudice and stigma regarding the sexuality of PwDs is crucial for ensuring healthy behaviours.