The Relationship between Contraception and Abortion in Ghana among Women of Reproductive Age; Trend Analysis of the 2007 and 2017 Maternal Health Surveys

Abstract

Induced abortions continually contribute to the issue of maternal mortality in Ghana. The use of contraceptives by women of reproductive age is thought to aid in reducing the prevalence of abortion in the country. With these facts, this study seeks to establish the relationship between contraceptive use and abortion and determine how the two influence each other. Factors that have been influencing the prevalence of contraceptive use and abortion were also assessed in this study. Gaining insight into the relationship between induced abortion, contraceptive use and the background characteristics of women of reproductive age will help in the introduction of feasible interventions targeting identified groups in the country. The study was a trend analysis using data from the 2007 and 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey (GMHS). Statistical methods used in analyzing data were the modified Poisson with robust SE and Rao-Scot Chi-square of independence to determine risk factors. Results from the study indicated that women who used some form of contraceptive were approximately 0.6 times less likely to engage in abortion procedures as compared to women who used no form of contraception over the past ten years (prevalence rate 0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.64, p<0.001). The study revealed that contraceptive use reduces prevalence of abortion, however, there was a significant decline in contraceptive use over the decade. Other factors such as marital status, educational level and age equally influenced the prevalence of contraceptive use and induced abortion over the decade. The Ministry of Health together with the Ghana Health Services and stakeholders (NGO’s) should continue with interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of induced abortion. Also more work need to be done to increase the prevalence of contraceptive use amongst women of reproductive age by the Ministry of Health and stakeholders.