Contraceptive use among women in Accra, Ghana: 2003 and 2008

Kelly Blanchard, Hialy R. Gutierrez, Naomi Lince-Deroche, Richard M.K. Adanu, Allan G. Hill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Despite a relatively low fertility rate, maternal mortality in Ghana still remains high. According to the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys, about 22% of Ghanaian women of reproductive age currently use contraception. We analyzed contraceptive use among a representative sample of women in Accra, Ghana, to better understand contraceptive use patterns. We used data from two cross-sectional surveys of a representative cohort of women in Accra. In 2003, 28.9% of sexually active women used a contraceptive method. In 2008, 31.5% of sexually active women used a contraceptive method. Additionally, we observed high rates of discontinuation—from 64.1% among those using longer-acting methods to 82.1% among those using traditional methods—between years. Further research on women’s contraceptive decision-making is needed to explain these patterns and to ensure that family planning interventions meet the needs of women in Ghana.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)22-36
Number of pages15
JournalAfrican journal of reproductive health
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2016

Keywords

  • Accra
  • Contraception
  • Family planning
  • Ghana

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