Factors Influencing Non-Use of Modern Contraceptives among Adolescents in the Sunyani Municipality

Abstract

Background: There is evidence that modern contraceptive use among adolescence in low-income countries, including Ghana, is very low. However, few empirical research has been done in the Sunyani municipality of Ghana - a place where teenage pregnancy is very high - to identify factors influencing non-use of modern contraceptives. This study therefore aimed to determine the factors influencing non-use of modern contraceptives among adolescents in the Sunyani municipality. Methods: The study employed a cross sectional survey design. A structured, closed-ended questionnaire was used, which enquired into adolescents’ knowledge, use and non-use of modern contraceptives and their sexual behaviours. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analysis techniques were used to analyse, present the data and the level of significance. Results: The study suggest that majority of the respondents (95.4%) had heard about contraception. However contraceptive prevalence was low. Socio-demographic factors such as the age and educational status of adolescents were significantly associated with non-use of modern contraceptives. Other reasons for non-use of modern contraceptives included lack of knowledge of contraceptive methods and partners being opposed to use of modern contraceptives. Conclusions: Based on these findings, the study recommends more public health education alongside other interventions to increase contraceptive prevalence among adolescents who are sexually active.