Community Attitudes Towards Condom Use and Unintended Pregnancies under Dual Modes of Sex Education in Ghana

Abstract Background: Condom education campaigns that aim to prevent early and unintended pregnancies (EUPs) can be undermined by local gender norms, religious edicts, and ineffective sex education policies. This study explored community attitudes towards condom education in the context of either comprehensive sexuality education or abstinence forms of sex education in three schools in Ghana. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative case study approach informed by in-depth interviews with programme managers and students. Findings: Findings show that condom education is implemented alongside abstinence education through partnerships between the school and the community. The community largely rejected condom education, while some parents encouraged their daughters into consensual relationships and contraception. The church also rejected condom education, contradicting parental encouragement for contraception use for young women in consensual relationships. The interplay between poverty and gendered power dynamics puts young women at a disadvantage in decision-making on sexual practice condom use. At the same time, cultural taboos and religious norms limit condom use and put 11-15-year-olds at risk of early and unintended pregnancy (EUPs). Conclusion:It is essential to recognise the impact that local gender, cultural and religious norms have in shaping how sexual health education is delivered and how sexual health outcomes are produced.