Factors Influencing Uptake of Contraceptives among Lactating Mothers in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Unintended pregnancies following child birth are associated with high risk of maternal mortality, morbidity and poor pregnancy outcomes. Use of contraception in the extended post-partum period is a cost effective way that could reduce maternal and child mortality by 75%. Few studies in Ghana have however examined the factors that influence the use of contraceptives among lactating mothers within 6 – 24months post-partum. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence the uptake of contraceptives among lactating mothers (6- 24 months) postpartum in the Hohoe Municipality. Methods: A population based cross sectional study was carried out among a randomly selected sample of 367 lactating mothers. Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires and data was analyzed with STATA version 14.1. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. Results: Awareness of contraceptives among lactating mothers was 98.4% whiles Contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) was low (46.5%) among respondents. Significant factors that had negative influence contraceptive use among lactating mothers were the believe that using contraceptives is a woman‟s business (AOR=0.49; 95% C.I=0.30-0.80) and partner communication about family planning (AOR=0.35; 95% CI =0.17-0.73). Conclusion: The study revealed that even though awareness on contraceptives was high among respondents, tailored messages that focus on male involvement in family planning can have a great influence on contraceptive use among lactating mothers in the Hohoe municipality.