Abstract:
Obtaining sexual and reproductive health services by young women in Ghana is fraught with numerous problems amidst efforts to promote access to these services. This study examined the factors influencing contraceptive use among young women in Ghana. Data from the 2014 GDHS on a sample of 2116 sexually active women 15-24 years was used in the analysis. Socio-demographic variables, knowledge of contraceptives, knowledge of ovulatory cycle and media exposure to family planning messages on radio, television and newspaper/magazine were chosen to determine their influence on the use of contraceptives. Multivariable regression analyses were performed. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were derived.
Age, number of living children, and region emerged as the independent factors influencing contraceptive use among young women. Women 20-24 were 94% more likely to use contraceptives compared to women 15-19 (aOR=1.94, 95% CI=1.46-2.59, p<0.001). Women with 3 living children were 138% more likely to use contraceptives compared with women with no living children (aOR=2.38, 95% CI=1.31-4.35, p=0.005). The Western (aOR=1.66, 95% CI=1.03-2.67, p=0.04) and Brong Ahafo (aOR=2.19, 95% CI=1.34-3.58, p=0.002) regions had higher odds of using contraceptives compared to Greater Accra. However, Northern region had 62% lower odds of using contraceptives compared with Greater Accra (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.19 - 0.76, p = 0.006).
There is the need to intensify family planning education and expand access to services for young people in Ghana.
