Factors associated with modern contraceptive use by sexually active persons of reproductive age in new Takoradi, a community in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis, Western Region, Ghana
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Date
June, 2019
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Abstract
Background: The uptake of modern contraceptives by sexually active persons of reproductive
age (15 - 49) years was an important tool in family planning. It will enhance spacing of child
birth thus preventing the risk of maternal mortality. The Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis
continued to record low acceptor rates of contraceptive use. It was as low as 10% as at 2015.
Objective: The main objective of the study was to determine factors that influence the use of
modern contraceptive methods in sexually active persons in their reproductive age, in New
Takoradi community, in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis.
Method: Community based descriptive and observational analytical cross sectional study was
conducted from September to November 2017. Primary data was collected by using community
based interviewer structured questionnaires through simple random sampling. Data was
analysed using STATA version 13.0 (Stata corp, college station, Texas, USA) to generate
proportions/percentages for categorical variables by the use of frequency distribution tables.
Continuous variables however were analysed by determining the relationship between each
variable and modern contraceptive use. Associated factors were determined using chi-square
by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to generate ORs and 95% confidence interval
at a significant level of 5%.
Results: Modern contraceptive knowledge among respondents was found to be high as most
(99.5%) have ever heard and knew at least one contraceptive method. More than half (53.8%)
had ever used contraceptives and 35.9% believed the use of modern contraceptives help to
space birth and prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). About 34.5% perceived
women who used contraceptives to have multiple sexual partners while 54.8% thought
unmarried youth should not be allowed to use contraceptives. Sources of access to
contraceptives were reported to include; family planning centres, PPAG clinics, chemical/drug
stores, government/private hospital, and most the preferred sources of contraceptives access
were family planning centres, PPAG clinics and Pharmacy. Significant socio-demographic and
economic factors that determine modern contraceptives used were gender (OR= 0.1; 95% CI
0.03-0.3; p=0.01), currently in school (OR = 12.5; 95% CI 0.5-99.5; p = 0.02); educational
level (OR = 0.04; 95% CI 0.01-0.4; p=0.04), monthly income (OR = 3.8; 95% CI 0.4-36.4;
p=0.01) and occupation (OR = 0.9; 95% CI 0.4-2.0; p = 0.01).
Conclusions: Overall, there was an increase in modern contraceptive knowledge among
persons of reproductive age in New Takoradi, as well as contraceptives access with a marginal
negative attitude and perceptions towards modern contraceptives used among women.
Associated factors that determine modern contraceptive use among persons of reproductive age
were gender, currently in school, educational level, monthly income earned and occupation.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Health in Population and Reproductive Health.
Keywords
Contraceptive, Reproductive age, Takoradi, Ghana.