Modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Ghana: analysis of the 2003–2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys

Abstract

BackgroundContraceptives are used in family planning to space or limit pregnancies and are categorized into modern and traditional methods. The modern methods have been proven to be more scientifically effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies than the traditional methods. With data from three (3)-different Demographic and Health Surveys, the aim of this study is to assess the trends and identify factors that consistently influence modern contraceptives’ use among women of the reproductive age group in Ghana.MethodsThe study used secondary data from the 2003, 2008, and 2014 Ghana Demographic Health Surveys (GDHS). The trends of determinants of modern contraceptives use among women of reproductive age in Ghana were determined. A bivariate approach was used to select significant predictors. The Cox proportional hazards model analysis was employed via a multilevel modelling approach.ResultsOut of the total respondents of 2229, 2356, and 4469, 18.75%, 15.75% and 21.53% were modern contraceptives users for 2003, 2008 and 2014 respectively. The multiple cox proportional hazards model analysis identified place of residence and the educational level of a woman as strong predictors of modern contraceptives use in Ghana. Modern contraceptive use is increasing among rural residence. Women who are in formal occupations (professional, clerical, services) are more likely to use modern contraceptives than their colleagues in less formal occupations (manual, agricultural, sales).ConclusionThis study highlights the trends of determinants on modern contraceptive use in Ghana from 2003 to 2014. The most persistent determinants of modern contraceptive use in Ghana during this time period are place of residence and a woman’s educational level. Women working in Agriculture and Sales are the least users of modern contraceptives in Ghana over the period.

Determinants of contraceptive use among married women in Indonesia

“…We first found that women's age, especially older age, was significantly associated with contraceptive use among married women. This result is consistent with the previous studies conducted in Ghana and Nigeria, documenting that older women have a lower level of concern with modern contraceptive use 7,9 . This finding is related to their lower fecundity rates and less active sexual desires 10 .…”

“…Researchers in Ghana have performed a study to identify the factors related to the low contraception use. They found that such factors included the residential location, knowledge, marital status, religion, and partner's approval and support 7 . All efforts that can improve women's health should be implemented, particularly regarding maternal healthcare services 8 .…”

The Decision-making in Couples and Moderncontraception use among Women in Côte d'Ivoire

“…In general, abortion is caused by an unwanted pregnancy (Dehlendorf, 2010). Her choices and preferences are focused on the practice of modern contraceptives, which justifies the positive impact of formal education on the usage of contraceptives (Aviisah et al, 2018). Formal education is a determining factor in the increase of the rate of using contraceptives (Mprah, 2013).…”

In search of universal health coverage: the hidden cost of family planning to women in Ghana

“…In Ghana, contraceptive uptake has been projected to reach at least 50% coverage by the year 2020 [23]. The current contraceptive rate remains around 22-26% among married women [24]. The government of Ghana has made several attempts to improve access to FP services.…”