Prevalence and determinants of contraceptives use among rural young women (15-24 years) in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Contraceptives use has significant effect on controlling fertility, preventing STIs, reducing unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions. The use of contraceptives among reproductive age women (15-49 years) has been largely reported. However, what is unclear is whether the reported prevalence of, and factors that influence the usage of contraceptives is comparable in the context of young adults (aged 15-24 years) in rural areas. The purpose of this study was therefore to report the prevalence and factors that influence contraceptives use among young women (15-24 years) in rural Ghana.Methods: Data (n = 3797) collected using a questionnaire through a mutli-stage probability sampling method in the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey (GMHS) was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The chi-square test was used to identify significant associations between categorical variables at a significant level of p < 0.05. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses was conducted to explore how well each independent variable predicted contraceptive use. Results: Out of the 3,797 women, only 21.49% (95% CI: 19.56, 23.55) used contraceptives. Number of living children, health insurance, knowledge of fertility period, history of abortion, ever given birth, educational level, age of participants and current union were found to influence contraceptives use. Strong significant predictors (at 95% CI, p<0.05) of contraceptives use were history of abortion, age of participants, educational level, number of living children, and knowledge of fertility period. Conclusion: Low usage of contraceptives has been identified among rural women and so there is the need for policymakers to intensify education and facilitate widespread access to modern contraceptives in rural areas and promote their effective use.