Factors that influence modern contraceptive use among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners in Gomoa West District, Ghana: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Fertility declines with age, but it remains important to protect women from unplanned pregnancies throughout their reproductive lives. The objective of this study was to describe factors that influence modern contraceptive use among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners in Gomoa West District of Ghana. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted remotely for 22 women, 15 male partners of the women interviewed and seven family planning (FP) providers. In all, a total of 44 participants took part in the study. Seven refusals were recorded, four females and three males. Four focus group discussions were organized for 21 participants who took part in the in-depth interviews. Data collected were transcribed and coded after exporting to Nvivo12 qualitative analysis software. Thematic analysis was undertaken using an abductive approach. Results Factors that influenced the use of modern contraceptives included: achieved desired family size, providing for the family, counselling by health professionals, influence of the male partner, and health reasons. Barriers cited included: religious or socio-cultural reasons, experience or fear of side effects, rumors or misconceptions, declining fertility, and the belief that contraceptive use is a matter for women. Within the study group, roughly half of women used modern contraceptives, while the majority of male partners were non-users. Conclusion Contraception among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners is influenced by several factors such as achieved desired family size, influence of the male partner, rumors or misconceptions, and declining fertility. Strengthening male involvement in family planning activities and health educational activities could alleviate fear and reduce misconceptions about using modern contraceptives.

Enhancing Contraceptive Utilization among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital: A Comprehensive Analysis

“…The drivers of family planning uptake are a set of multiple factors that may be complex and difficult to address in real-world settings, specifically in under developed countries where things happen in an emergency [15]. These factors range from individual and social factors, cultural factors, availability, and access factors to factors related to the attributes of the contraceptive methods such as fear of side effects [16]. There is insufficient evidence to explain how these factors interplay to influence contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Uganda.According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), family planning services were introduced in the country in the 1950s with the establishment of the Family Planning Association of Uganda.…”

Hormonal contraceptive use among women living with hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: insights from 12 countries

“…The proportion of women whose need for family planning is satisfied with modern methods increased from 74% in 2000 to 77% in 2020 [ 7 ]. While there has been a global increase in contraception usage, the prevalence rate in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains notably low [ 8 ]. The SSA region has the highest unmet need for modern contraception as over 200 million women who do not want to conceive are not using a modern contraceptive method [ 9 , 10 ].…”