Factors Influencing Modern Contraceptive Use among Reproductive Age Women Accessing Health Services in the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Hospital in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Promoting the use of contraceptives, particularly in developing countries has been widely noted as an imperative intervention as it has proven to reduce maternal and child mortalities, avert unintended pregnancies and control population explosion. In spite of the enormous benefits of contraceptive use, the uptake still remains low in most developing countries. The objective was to describe the factors influencing modern contraceptive use among reproductive age women in the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design using quantitative research tools. Simple random sampling strategy was used to recruit 217 women aged 15-49 years. Data from administered questionnaire was analyzed using STATA version 13. Results: The study found widespread knowledge and awareness of modern contraceptives among respondents despite low prevalence of use (21%). Attitude of respondents was significantly associated with modern contraceptive use (p<0.001) as well as religious influence (p<0.038). Conclusion: Family planning programs should target at getting reproductive age women to develop positive attitude towards modern contraceptives as this influences use instead of simply creating knowledge and awareness. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Availability, Modern, Contraceptives, Religious, Beliefs.