UNIVERSITY OF GHANA 
 
ASSESSMENT OF THE AWARENESS OF AND FACTORS 
INFLUENCING THE USE OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS 
AMONG WOMEN AT ABOKOBI IN THE GA EAST 
MUNICIPALITY OF THE GREATER ACCRA REGION 
 
 
THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE INSTITUTE OF STATISTICAL, SOCIAL AND 
ECONOMIC RESEARCH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA 
 
 BY 
 
 
JOANA OKAILEY AKU OKAI 
      (10283237) 
 
 
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD 
OF MASTER OF ARTS IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES DEGREE. 
 
 
DECEMBER 2014
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DECLARATION 
I, Joana Okailey Aku Okai hereby declare that except for references to other people’s work 
which have been duly acknowledged, this thesis is the result of my own research carried out 
at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana 
under the supervision of Professor Kwabena Asomanin Anaman. This thesis has neither in 
whole nor in part been presented for another degree.  
 
 
 
……………………………………                                      DATE ……………………. 
MISS JOANA OKAILEY AKU OKAI 
STUDENT  
 
 
 
 
 
 ……………………………………..                                          DATE ……….…………… 
PROFESSOR KWABENA ASOMANIN ANAMAN                                                                                                                                            
SUPERVISOR 
 
 
  
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DEDICATION 
This work is dedicated to the Almighty God for making it possible for me to successfully 
complete this study and to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Okai Tetteh for their immense support, 
encouragement and prayers throughout my period of schooling from primary school to the 
post-graduate level.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to my supervisor, Professor 
Kwabena Asomanin Anaman for his whole-hearted encouragement, support and guidance 
throughout the development of this research thesis. I am also indebted to Messrs Emmanuel 
Offei-Larbi, Andrews Agyei-Holmes and Stephen Frimpong for their assistance in the 
implementation of the survey. I am also grateful to family; Kay, Akosua, Akweley and 
Akuorkor, friends and course mates especially, Messrs Enoch Sarpey and Justice Baah and 
Genevieve Naawinyele Dasoberi for motivating me in terms of financial and moral support 
throughout my studies. I am especially grateful to my loved one, Mr. Eric Dompreh Brako for 
his excellent companionship and assistance. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the support and 
training given to me by the lecturers and staff of the Institute of Statistical, Social and 
Economic Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 
 
 
  
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ABSTRACT 
According to the Ghana Statistical Service, based on the 2010 Population Housing Census, 
the population of Ghana increased by about 30.4% from 2000 to 2010 growing a rate of 2.5% 
per year. This means that the population of Ghana has been doubling every 28 years. The 
population of the country is expected to reach 50 million by the year 2039, just 25 years 
away. The rapid population growth rate and the expanding basic needs and wants of the 
people of Ghana arising from increasing economic growth have made population control and 
management of urgent importance. The need to manage the population of Ghana in line with 
available resources in an atmosphere of shared, inclusive and sustainable economic growth 
has become a paramount objective for government and non-government organisations. 
 
One mechanism that can be used to achieve effective population control and management is 
birth control through the use of contraceptives. Based on this underlying premise, this study 
was undertaken to assess the awareness of and factors influencing the use of birth control 
methods among women aged between 15 and 49 years, in their reproductive lifespan, at 
Abokobi, the capital town of the Ga East Municipality. The survey-based study was based on 
scientific sampling method using cluster sampling and it involved interviewing 120 women 
living in 99 houses within eight researcher-based clusters at Abokobi.  
 
The main objective of the study was to determine the awareness and use of birth control 
methods. The specific objectives were to determine extent of awareness of birth control 
methods, to establish the factors influencing the level of awareness of birth control methods, 
to ascertain the types and intensity of birth control methods and establish the factors 
influencing the use of birth control methods. The survey data collected were analysed using 
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simple statistical analysis to derive frequencies and means of important variables related to 
awareness and use of various birth control methods. Multiple regression analysis was used to 
establish the factors that influenced awareness of birth control methods. Logistic regression 
analysis was used to determine the factors influencing the use of birth control methods. 
 
The results of the analysis indicated that all the 120 women respondents were aware of at 
least one birth control method suggesting a universal awareness of birth control methods. In 
terms of level of awareness, the dual protection using male condom was the most familiar 
method of birth control followed by illegal abortion, female condom, injectable medicine, 
rhythm or calendar method, female pill and legal abortion. The multiple regression analysis 
confirmed that the age and educational attainment of the woman increased the level of 
awareness of birth control methods. Women who had children were also more aware of birth 
control methods than women without children. The logistic regression revealed that being in a 
current sexual relationship, the level of awareness of birth control methods and having children 
increased the likelihood of women using birth control methods. Women who were currently 
married and were between the ages of 20 and 40 years were less likely to use birth control 
methods possibly suggesting their demand for children.  
Overall, the relatively low awareness of birth control methods exhibited by relatively younger 
and less educated women without children suggested the need of government and non-
governmental organisations to establish and/or expand programmes related to sex education and 
family planning in junior and senior secondary schools and technical and vocational colleges in 
the country to minimise unwarranted pregnancies and thus control birth rates. 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
DECLARATION............................................................................................................................ i 
DEDICATION............................................................................................................................... ii 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................ iii 
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................. iv 
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................ vi 
LIST   OF TABLES .......................................................................................................................x 
LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................... xiv 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .....................................................................................................xv 
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................1 
INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM STATEMENT ................................................................1 
1.1  Introduction and Background of the Study ..........................................................................1 
1.2. Problem Statement..................................................................................................................5 
1.3. Objectives of the Study ...........................................................................................................7 
1.4. Hypotheses of the Study .........................................................................................................8 
1.5. Justification of the Study ........................................................................................................8 
1.6. Limitations of the Study .........................................................................................................9 
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1.7. Organization of the Study ......................................................................................................9 
CHAPTER TWO .........................................................................................................................10 
LITERATURE REVIEW ...........................................................................................................10 
2.1. Types of Birth Control Methods ..........................................................................................10 
2.1.1. The Long-acting Contraceptive methods involving invasive 
procedures ............................................................................................................11 
2.1.2. Hormonal methods with medium-term contraceptive impact ..........................14 
2.1.3. Barriers or natural methods .................................................................................17 
2.2. Birth Control and Policy ......................................................................................................21 
2.3. Contraceptive Use in Ghana ................................................................................................23 
2.4. Overview of Empirical Works on Awareness and Use of Birth Control 
Methods .............................................................................................................................25 
CHAPTER THREE .....................................................................................................................30 
METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................30 
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................30 
3.2 Research Design .....................................................................................................................30 
3.2.1. Sources of Data .......................................................................................................31 
3.2.2. Unit of Analysis ......................................................................................................31 
3.2.3. Sampling Size Determination ...............................................................................31 
3.3. Survey Sampling and Administration Procedures ............................................................32 
3.4. Methodology for Objective 1: Determination of the Extent of Awareness of 
Birth Control Methods. ...................................................................................................34 
3.5. Methodology for Objective 2: Establishment of the Factors Influencing the 
Level of Awareness of the Existence of Birth Control Methods. .................................34 
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3.6. Methodology for the Objective 3: Ascertaining the Types and Intensity of 
Use of Birth Control Methods .........................................................................................35 
3.7. Methodology for Objective 4: Establishment of Factors Influencing the Use 
or Non-use of Birth Control Methods. ...........................................................................35 
3.8. Theory of Binary Logistic Regression Analysis .................................................................35 
3.9. Data Analysis .........................................................................................................................36 
3.10. Ethical Considerations .......................................................................................................37 
3.11. Brief Description of the Study Area ..................................................................................37 
CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................................................40 
 
RESULTS OF ANALYSIS DEALING WITH AWARENESS OF BIRTH 
CONTROL METHODS ..................................................................................................40 
4.1 Socio-economic Characteristics of Survey Respondents ....................................................40 
4.2: Overview of Awareness of Birth Control Methods ...........................................................44 
4.3: Sources of Awareness and Information about Various Birth Control 
Methods .............................................................................................................................47 
4.4: Factors Influencing the Level of Awareness of Birth Control Methods ..........................76 
CHAPTER FIVE .........................................................................................................................79 
RESULTS OF ANALYSIS DEALING WITH..........................................................................79 
USE AND ADOPTION OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS ................................................79 
5.1: Overview of the Use of Birth Control Methods by Respondents .....................................79 
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5.2: Types and Intensity of Use of Birth Control Methods by Respondents ..........................81 
5.3: Attributes Influencing Choice and Use of Birth Control Methods ..................................84 
5.4: Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Influencing Ever Use of Birth 
Control Methods ............................................................................................................108 
CHAPTER SIX ..........................................................................................................................111 
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMMENDATIONS ...............................................................111 
6.1: Summary of the Study ........................................................................................................111 
6.2: Results and Conclusions of the Study ...............................................................................112 
6.3: Recommendations ...............................................................................................................114 
REFERENCES ...........................................................................................................................115 
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................124 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 LIST   OF TABLES  
Table 2.1: Trends in the use of specific Family Planning methods by married women 
aged 15-49 years (in percentage of population) .................................................................24 
Table 4.1: Summary of socio-economic characteristics of survey respondents based 
on frequency analysis. ........................................................................................................42 
Table 4.2: Summary of socio-economic characteristics of survey respondents based 
on averages.........................................................................................................................43 
Table 4.3: Ranking of the level of awareness of birth control methods by respondents. ..............46 
Table 4.4: Classification of the 19 birth control methods into three groups as 
identified from respondents. ..............................................................................................48 
Table 4.5: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information on implant 
birth control method based on frequency analysis. ............................................................51 
Table 4.6: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information on IUD birth 
control method based on frequency analysis. ....................................................................52 
Table 4.7: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the female 
sterilisation birth control method based on frequency analysis.........................................53 
 
Table 4.8: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for illegal 
abortion method of birth control based on frequency analysis..........................................55 
Table 4.9: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information on legal 
abortion control method based on frequency analysis. .....................................................56 
Table 4.10: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for injectable 
medicine method of birth control based on frequency analysis. ........................................59 
Table 4.11: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for female pill 
method of birth control based on frequency analysis. .......................................................60 
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Table 4.12: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for 
emergency contraception method of birth control based on frequency analysis. ..............61 
Table 4.13: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for traditional 
herbs method of birth control based on frequency analysis. .............................................63 
Table 4.14: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for men 
taking hormonal and related medicine to prevent pregnancy based on 
frequency analysis. .............................................................................................................64 
Table 4.15: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the use of 
male condom with the approval of the spouse to prevent pregnancy based on 
frequency analysis. .............................................................................................................66 
Table 4.16: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the use of 
female condom method of birth control based on frequency analysis. ..............................68 
Table 4.17: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for 
breastfeeding method of birth control based on frequency analysis. .................................69 
Table 4.18: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the 
foaming tablet method of birth control based on frequency analysis. ...............................71 
Table 4.19: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the rhythm 
method of birth control based on frequency analysis. .......................................................72 
Table 4.20: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the 
withdrawal before ejaculation method of birth control based on frequency 
analysis. ..............................................................................................................................74 
Table 4.21: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the 
traditional method of birth control based on planned abstinence with the 
woman staying away from partner based on frequency analysis. .....................................75 
Table 4.22: Results of the multiple regression analysis of factors influencing the level 
of awareness of birth control methods in general. .............................................................78 
 
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Table 5.1: Popularity of specific birth control methods over various time periods 
based on the proportions of users of birth control methods using a particular 
method based on the 84 respondents who had ever used a birth control 
method................................................................................................................................83 
Table 5.2: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
IUD as a birth control method. ..........................................................................................87 
Table 5.3: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
implant as a birth control method. .....................................................................................88 
Table 5.4: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
legal abortion as a birth control method. ...........................................................................90 
Table 5.5: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
illegal abortion as a birth control method..........................................................................91 
Table 5.6: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
female pill as a birth control method..................................................................................93 
Table 5.7: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
injectable medicine as a birth control method. ..................................................................94 
Table 5.8: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
emergency contraception as a birth control method. .........................................................96 
Table 5.9: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
traditional herbs as a birth control method........................................................................97 
Table 5.10: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
the dual protection with male wearing condoms as a birth control method. .....................99 
Table 5.11: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
female condom as a birth control method. .......................................................................100 
Table 5.12: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
lactational amenorrhoea/ breastfeeding as a birth control method. ................................102 
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Table 5.13: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
foaming tablets as a birth control method. .......................................................................103 
Table 5.14: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
the rhythm or calendar method as a birth control method. ..............................................105 
Table 5.15: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence after birth with 
the woman staying away from the house for several months and re-joining her 
husband later as a birth control method. .........................................................................106 
Table 5.16: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
withdrawal method as a birth control method..................................................................107 
Table 5.17: Results of the logistic regression analysis of woman’s use or non-use of 
birth control method based on whether she had ever used a recognized birth 
control method. ................................................................................................................110 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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LIST OF FIGURES 
Figure 2.1. Image of IUD ...............................................................................................................12 
Figure 2.2: Image of Implants ........................................................................................................13 
Figure 2.3: Image of Female Pill ...................................................................................................15 
Figure 2.4: Image of the Injectable Medicine ................................................................................16 
Figure 2.5: Image of ECP ..............................................................................................................17 
Figure 2.6. The Male Condom .......................................................................................................18 
Figure 2.7.The Female Condom ....................................................................................................18 
Figure 2.8: Conceptual Framework Used for the Study ................................................................29 
Figure 3.1: Map of the Ga East Municipality. ...............................................................................39 
Figure 5.1: Ever Use of Birth Control Methods ............................................................................80 
Figure 5.2: Proportion of Current Users, Past Users Less Than One Year and Past 
Users Equal or Greater Than One Year. ............................................................................80 
 
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 
AMA   Accra Metropolitan Assembly 
CPR   Contraceptive Prevalence Rate 
ECP   Emergency Contraceptive Pill 
FVSC   Female Voluntary Surgical Contraception 
GDHS  Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 
GHS   Ghana Health Service 
GPRS I Ghana Poverty and Reduction Strategy I 
GPRS II Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy II 
GSGDA  Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda 
GSS   Ghana Statistical Service 
GWMA  Ghana West Municipal Assembly 
HIV/AIDS       Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome 
HND  Higher National Diploma 
IUD     Intra Uterine Device 
IUS    Intra Uterine System 
LAM  Lactational Amenorrhoea Method 
LaNMA La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly 
MDAs  Ministries, Departments and Agencies 
MHMT   Municipal Health Management Team 
MMDAs Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies 
MOH   Ministry of Health 
MPCU  Municipal Planning Coordinating Unit  
NMIMR  Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research 
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NPC     Nigerian Population Council 
PHC   Population and Housing Census 
STI               Sexually Transmitted Disease/Infections 
SPSS  Statistical Package for Social Scientist 
TFR   Total Fertility Rate 
UN    United Nations 
WHO  World Health Organization 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CHAPTER ONE 
INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM STATEMENT 
1.1 Introduction and Background of the Study 
In the early days of human history, one of the major factors of utmost importance and value 
to people was the ability to reproduce and not just that but to have as many children as 
possible. The larger the number of children a woman procreates, the greater the level of 
respect for the individual. In this modern era, many are looking beyond subsistence living and 
prefer a more leisured, relaxed life and hence increasingly fewer societies hold on to this 
perspective of life. This has led to an increased demand for scientific means for controlling 
birth rates. 
 
According to a Planned Parenthood (2012) report, many people dating from several centuries 
ago have had the desire to decide when to have a child and when not to have one. Hence 
contraceptives have been used in several forms for thousands of years throughout human 
history. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division 
(2011) report on contraceptives, indicates that the prevalence rate of contraceptive usage in 
the world has increased since 1980 from an average of 49.2% to 62.7% in 2009. Sub-Saharan 
Africa which recorded an average prevalence rate of 11.2% in 1980 has had its prevalence 
rate increased to 21.8% in 2009.  
 
A striking importance of birth control is the extent of pressure that large populations exert on 
economic and social facilities of a country. High levels of population create major limitations 
and constraints on probable future economic progression and the ability of a country to make 
the necessary provision for the livelihood improvement of its citizens and the achievement of 
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its national development targets and visions (Health Policy Project, 2012). Asante-Sarpong 
(2007), suggests that high population growth rates have serious repercussions for a country’s 
socio-economic development and the living standards of the people. Thus using birth control 
methods could assist in the fight against poverty. The 2010 Population and Housing Census 
(PHC) puts the total population of Ghana at 24,658,823 as at 2010 which represents an 
increase of 30.4% of the population in 2000 which was recorded at 18,912,079 (Ghana 
Statistical Service, 2013a). The increase in population reflects an annual growth rate of 2.5% 
and a doubling of the population every 28 years. Hence at this annual growth rate of 
population, there will be about 50 million people in the country by the year 2039 compared to 
the population level of about six million in 1957 during the year of Ghana’s political 
independence. 
 
According to the WHO (2012) report on contraceptive usage the prevalence rate of 
contraceptive usage in Ghana increased from 12.9% in the 1980s to about 24% in the year 
2010. One could think that such an increase in prevalence rate should rapidly slow down 
population growth but in spite of this increase in birth control method usage, the population 
of Ghana has increased drastically. However, the inter-censual population growth rate from 
1984 to 2000 and from 2010 decreased slightly from 2.6% to 2.5%. This could have been 
possible by the increased exposure and usage of family planning methods in Ghana. The 
Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) (2004) reports that, out of four married women one does not 
want any more children; yet less than half of their needs to limit future births are being met.  
 
According to the Health Policy Project (2012), the government of Ghana established a 
revised National Population Policy in 1994 to provide a progressive and positive policy 
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environment that aids family planning. This was in line with government’s understanding of 
the relationship between rapid population growth and social and economic development. The 
policy framework has clearly-defined targets regarding fertility and contraceptive use as a 
means of controlling population growth to help to meet the development agenda of the 
nation. These targets include the reduction of the total fertility rate (TFR) from 5.5 to 5.0 by 
2000 and then to 3.0 by 2020; the achievement of contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) of 
15% for modern Family Planning methods by 2000 and 50% by 2020; and the reduction of 
the current annual population growth rate from 2.6% to 1.5% by 2020. 
 
Some progress is being made to achieve these targets. The hardwork put in by the Ministry of 
Health (MOH) and other agencies through awareness campaigns on the use of contraceptives 
have resulted in an overall intensification of usage over the last two decades (Duodo et al., 
1998, Ann et al., 2002). Fertility rate in Ghana has also declined from 6.4% in the 1970s to 
4.4% in 2005 (Duodo et al., 1998). Moreover, the contraceptive prevalence rate has also 
increased to 23.4% in 2011from 16.6% in 2008. Unmet need for birth control has also 
reduced from 34.0% in 2003 to 26.4% in the 2011. Analysis by Ghana Health Service 
showed that an increasing number of people are accessing family planning services from the 
private suppliers like pharmacy shops and drug stores as a result of the ease for obtaining 
such products (Ministry of Health, 2013). These factors indicate that access to family 
planning is improving. 
 
Birth control methods are categorized into three groups based on their effectiveness and the 
nature of the products. These three groups are (1) long-acting contraceptive methods 
involving invasive procedures inside the human body such as surgery or implants which are 
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reversible or non-reversible, (2) hormonal methods which are less invasive and have medium 
contraceptive impact, and (3) barriers and natural methods (Trussell, 2011; Lessard et al., 
2011; Smith, 2010). The first group of contraceptive methods which involve invasive 
procedures and have long-term acting effects includes implants, intra-uterine device (IUD), 
male sterilisation, female sterilisation and abortion. The second group consists of methods 
which involve minimal to modest invasive procedures into the human body and are largely 
hormonal in nature. This group includes injectable medicine, female pill and traditional 
herbs. The third group, barriers and natural methods, includes condoms, rhythm or calendar 
method, foaming tablets and traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence of 
the woman from her husband or partner. 
 
According to Cleland et al. (2006), in 2000, nearly 90% of global abortion-related as well as 
20% of obstetric-related mortality and morbidity could have been prevented by the use of 
effective means of birth control. Also, it is estimated that a total of 150,000 maternal deaths 
could have been prevented if effective family planning methods were adopted and many of 
these cases were in Africa. Children have a greater potential of being born healthy and 
surviving with wider intervals between births. Hence birth control awareness campaigns 
should be intensified. Moreover, various ways of demystifying misconceptions as well as 
exposing people to the side effects involved in the adoption of any family planning method 
should be encouraged. 
 
 
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1.2. Problem Statement 
Since the time of Ghana’s independence, a decrease in the total fertility rate with a 
remarkable downward trend in infant mortality has been recorded (Hesse, 2007). The 
government of Ghana is committed to guaranteeing sound health for its people while still 
ensuring increased economic development. As a result, the government revised its National 
Population policy in 1994. This policy has the intention of decreasing the proportion of 
women below 20 years and above 34 years having births to 50% by the year 2010, decreasing 
to 80 percent rate by 2020 and also to make family planning services available, accessible 
and affordable to at least half of all adults by the year 2020 (Hesse, 2007). At the core of the 
policy is also the intention of reducing the fertility rate with their current sexual activity.  
 
Planned Parenthood (2012) reports that giving birth is one of the least motivating factors for 
people having sex especially for the unmarried. This means that many people, especially 
young unmarried persons such as students, may want to have the pleasure and enjoyment of 
sex, but not with the intention of giving birth to children. Awareness of contraception is 
therefore important and should be intensified to achieve the objective of reducing unwanted 
and unplanned births. The National Population Council (2004) factsheet reports that among 
women and men aged 25-29, the median age at first sexual intercourse was 18.3 years and 
19.6 years respectively in 2003. This trend is also reported in the 2008 Ghana Demographic 
and Health Survey (GDHS) report produced by GSS which shows that men start sexual 
activity at a median age of about 20 years while women start at the age of 18.4 years. Hence 
women are more likely to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age than men.  
 
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Educating especially the female is an important determinant of family planning adoption 
(GSS, 2004). In Ghana, the number of females enrolled in schools is lower than that of male 
enrolment as reported by the 2010 Population and Housing Census (GSS, 2013a). This lower 
enrolment could possibly impact on the ability and willingness of women to access 
information relating to their ability to control their birth rate by using family planning 
methods. Better-educated women may be more willing to engage in innovative sexual 
lifestyles than for people who are less educated (Caldwell 1979; Dyson and Moore, 1983).  
Better educated women are also thought of having more knowledge of birth control methods 
and also of ways to obtain them than people who are less educated because of the level of 
literacy, much more familiarity with modern institutions, and greater probability of refusing 
less innovative sexual lifestyles. For women especially, education has been seen as an 
important factor that promotes contraceptive usage in many developing countries like Ghana 
(Cochrane, 1979). The reason could be the fact that they get an opportunity to rub shoulders 
with their male counterparts and to express themselves unlike uneducated women.  
 
The study area of this research is the Ga East Municipality. The population of the 
municipality in 2010 was 198 820 with an inter-censal growth rate of about 4.2% (GSS, 
2013b). About 49% of the residents are females with the remainder being males in the 
municipality. Based on projections, the population of the municipality is estimated to be 224, 
837 in 2013. Moreover, the estimated population by the Municipal Planning Coordinating 
Unit gives a density of 1,214 persons per sq. km much higher than the national density of 
79.3 persons per sq. km and the regional density of 895.5 persons per sq. km (Ga East 
Municipality Annual Report for 2013). With such an increase in the number of people in the 
municipality, there is great likelihood of an increase in births requiring informed research to 
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solve problems pertaining to health including family planning and the reduction in the 
development problems associated with steadily increasing population growth. 
 
Given the relatively low level of education of women in the Ga East Municipality, it is 
plausible that the level of awareness of birth control methods and their use may be low. This 
factor could be a driving force for the relatively high population growth rate in the 
Municipality. Relatively low in-depth knowledge about contraceptives can lead to unwanted 
pregnancies and births. Hence, increased knowledge and awareness of a birth control method 
is important for the overall socioeconomic development of the area. It is therefore necessary 
to conduct research to ascertain the level of awareness and use of birth control methods 
among women in this Municipality to help achieve the goal of improved development. 
 
1.3. Objectives of the Study 
The main objective of the study is to assess the awareness and use of birth control methods 
by adult potentially child bearing women between 15 to 49 years in Abokobi, the capital of 
Ga East Municipality. 
   
Given the background material presented earlier, the four specific objectives of the study are 
as follows: 
 To determine the extent of awareness of birth control methods by householders at 
Abokobi, the capital of Ga East Municipality. 
 To establish the factors influencing the level of awareness of birth control methods by 
householders at Abokobi. 
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 To ascertain the types and intensity of birth control methods by householders at 
Abokobi; and 
 To establish the factors influencing the use and non-use of birth control methods by 
householders at Abokobi. 
 
1.4. Hypotheses of the Study 
Based on the objectives, several hypotheses are suggested for research and testing.  These are 
as follows: 
 Majority of adult women at Abokobi between 15 and 49 years in the Municipality are 
aware of at least one birth control method. The common birth control methods used 
by adult women at Abokobi householders are planned abstinence after the birth of a 
child and condoms. 
 The factors influencing the level of awareness of birth control methods include age, 
educational level and the number of children. 
 The majority of adult women in the Municipality do not use birth control methods. 
 The factors influencing householders’ use or non-use of birth control methods by 
adult women at Abokobi include level of educational attainment, age, number of 
children and marital status. 
 
1.5. Justification of the Study 
People are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of rapid population growth rate and as 
such there has been worldwide campaigns aimed at educating people about the need to reduce 
population growth through birth control methods. Ghana as a country has put together 
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strategies and plans to ensure the management of population through the promotion of the use 
of birth control methods. Hence, this study provides additional evidence to inform 
stakeholders of the factors which influence people’s decision to use birth control methods, the 
attributes people consider in their choice of birth control methods. 
 
Further, the study has obtained evidence-based information on factors influencing awareness 
of birth control methods critical to government authorities to step up their drive to intensify 
information to the public on birth control methods. 
 
1.6. Limitations of the Study 
The study is limited to Abokobi, the capital of the Ga East Municipality and the major urban 
centre of the Municipality. With its predominance of Christianity in the city, being a major 
traditional centre of the Basel Missionaries and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the results 
are largely representative of urban Christian women in the Municipality. 
 
1.7. Organization of the Study 
The study is organized into six chapters. Chapter one provides a general introduction to the 
study, the background of the study, a statement of the problem, research objectives, 
hypotheses, justification and limitations of the study. Chapter two focuses on the review of 
relevant literature related to the topic and the conceptual framework while Chapter three 
presents the methodology adopted for the study as well as a summary of the study area. The 
results of the study are discussed in Chapters four and five. The conclusions and 
recommendations are summarized in Chapter six. The list of references and appendices 
follow at the end of the thesis report. 
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CHAPTER TWO 
LITERATURE REVIEW 
2.1. Types of Birth Control Methods 
According to Sanger (1931), birth control is the planned control of the birth rate by methods 
that prevent the conception of individuals. Ajani (2013) also defines birth control as the 
spacing of children given birth to by individual families within a reasonable time period 
which helps the mother to give adequate care and effective weaning to a child before giving 
birth to another one. In effect, birth control helps in the proper planning and production of 
children by a family unit over time. 
 
Birth control and family planning are used interchangeably. Ajani (2013) asserts that while 
birth control may be viewed as reducing the number of children a person may give birth to; 
family planning is equally perceived as scheduling or restructuring how to go about giving 
birth to a reasonable sizeable and manageable number of children by individual family units. 
In whichever case the essence of birth control or family planning is to give birth to a number 
of children which the individual family can take care of adequately.  
 
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) expert committee of 1970, family 
planning refers to the “practices that help individuals or couples to attain certain objectives; 
to avoid unwanted births; to bring about wanted births; to regulate the intervals between 
pregnancies; to control the time at which births occur in relation to the ages of the parents and 
also to determine the number of children in the family. Services that make this happen 
include the provision of contraceptives, education and counselling” (WHO, 1971).  
 
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It is clear that the first consideration made when the issue of birth and control comes in is 
contraception. All along, researchers have categorized contraceptives into different classes 
based on what they want to communicate at any point in time (Hesse, 2007). It is sometimes 
categorized into types meant for males or females, whether it is a permanent one, a long term, 
or short term one, whether it is a chemical type, natural type or surgical type and whether it is 
modern, natural or traditional.  
 
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has adopted a method of classifying birth control methods 
into long acting and permanent family planning methods, and short term family planning 
methods (GHS, 2008). However, for the purpose of this study, birth control methods are 
classified into three categories namely: (1) long-acting contraceptive methods involving 
invasive procedures, (2) hormonal methods involving minimal invasive procedures with 
medium-term contraceptive impact and (3) barriers or natural methods that generally offer 
short term protection. These methods are further discussed below.  
 
2.1.1. The Long-acting Contraceptive methods involving invasive procedures 
The various types of birth control methods grouped under the long-acting contraceptive 
methods group include implants, intra uterine device, male sterilization, female sterilization, 
legal abortion as well as illegal abortion. People may opt for these birth control methods 
based on how they want to have control over their sexual life. 
 
The Intra Uterine Device (IUD) is a small, flexible device with two strings attached. The 
copper-bearing IUD has copper sleeves and/or a wire around the stem. The hormone-
releasing-intra-uterine system (IUS) has hormone in it. It is inserted into a woman’s womb 
through her vagina to provide effective, safe and long term yet immediately reversible 
contraception. The kinds of IUDs available in Ghana are TCU 380A which is also referred to 
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as Copper T and the IUS which is also called Mirena. The IUD (copper-bearing) can be 
effective for up to 10 years but can be taken out before the date of expiry by a trained health 
provider if the user wishes to become pregnant. The IUS however, can help prevent 
pregnancies for at least five years (GHS, 2008; Asante-Sarpong, 2007). 
 
Figure 2.1. Image of IUD 
 
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/iuds-work-best-emergency-contraceptive/story?id= 
16305031, accessed on 15 March, 2014. 
 
The tubal ligation, also referred to as female sterilization, is an important method of birth 
control in Ghana. It is a permanent method of contraception that involves simple surgical 
procedure that blocks off the two fallopian tubes. This operation is done under anesthesia and 
light sedation and it is also known as female voluntary surgical contraception (FVSC), female 
sterilization or tying the tubes. There are several ways by which this method is done. The first 
method is referred to as laparoscopy. It is done with a thin instrument referred to as 
laparoscope that is put into the body through a small cut below the navel. The doctor reaches 
the fallopian tubes and closes them. The other method is called mini laparotomy. With this 
the doctor reaches and closes the fallopian tubes through a small cut in the lower abdomen. 
Another method used is during caesarean section; the tubes are tied and cut after caesarean 
delivery of the baby. This means that the man’s sperms will not be able to travel and fertilize 
the ovaries (GHS, 2008). 
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Implants are a set of small plastic capsules or rods with each capsule looking like the size of 
a match stick. The capsules are placed under the skin of the woman’s upper arm to provide 
protection against pregnancy. It works by releasing progestin in the blood stream which stops 
ovulation and thickens the fluid at the opening of the womb to prevent the entrance of 
sperms. It is inserted by a specially-trained person and removal also involves the same 
procedure. It however, does not protect against sexually-transmitted diseases as condoms do. 
Though it provides an opportunity to control birth, it has some side effects such as headaches, 
dizziness, breast tenderness, nausea and weight gain (GHS, 2008).  
Figure 2.2: Image of Implants 
 
Source: http://www.tundakehamilan.com/product_implan.html, accessed on 14 March, 2014) 
 
Vasectomy, also known as male sterilization is a permanent contraception for men. A small 
cut is made in the man’s scrotum and both tubes that carry sperms from his testicles are tied 
and cut to close them. It is recommended after the surgery that the man uses male condom or 
any other method consistently for the next three months. This is because the first twenty 
ejaculations of the man during sexual intercourse may have sperms. This is an irreversible 
procedure that requires trained personnel to do and has known side effects (GHS, 2008). 
 
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Abortion refers to the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from 
the uterus of a foetus or embryo before its viability as a recognised human being. This 
method of controlling birth could be legal or illegal depending on the country of the 
individual. In instances where abortion is considered illegal, pregnant women could take 
drugs or other crude methods such as inserting of herbs, sticks as well as drinking 
concoctions. Some of the concoctions include sugar and alcohol, alcohol and coffee, sugar 
and coffee. However, in a situation where pregnancies become life threatening, abortion 
could be allowed to be used to control birth and save the life of the woman. In this case, the 
surgical procedures are done by a qualified doctor. This ensures the safety of the pregnant 
woman unlike the illegal ones which might not be a medically approved procedure. WHO 
(2012) indicates that resorting to unsafe providers leads to deaths and morbidities that 
become the social and financial responsibility of the society. 
 
2.1.2. Hormonal methods with medium-term contraceptive impact 
Under this category, the different types of birth control methods include female pill, 
injectable medicine, emergency contraceptive, traditional herbs as well as men taking 
hormonal and related medicine to prevent pregnancy. 
Female pill is an effective contraceptive taken orally to prevent unwanted pregnancy. There 
are two main types used in Ghana namely progestin only pill and combined oral 
contraceptive. The pills are taken usually around the same time at night. The progestin type 
thickens the cervical mucus and makes the lining of the womb thin and unsuitable for 
implantation of a fertilized egg. It also reduces the movement of the sperms through the 
fallopian tubes. The combined pill stops ovulation and also thickens cervical mucus making it 
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difficult for sperm passage. It is however not effective unless taken every day; changes in 
menstrual cycle are also likely to occur and can be a side effect (GHS, 2008). 
 
Figure 2.3: Image of Female Pill 
 
Source: http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/ss/slideshow-birth-control-options  
accessed on 14 March, 2014). 
  
Injectable medicine is a contraceptive that contains artificial hormones which when injected 
protects a woman from unwanted pregnancy. The injectable is given on the buttocks or the 
arm. There are three types of injectable medicine currently in use in Ghana. The three types 
are as follows: 
 Depo Provera (Famplan) which is given once every three months (Progestin only). 
 Noristerat which is given once every two months (Progestin only). 
 Norigynon given once every month. 
It works by preventing the woman from releasing ovaries and also thickens cervical mucus 
(GHS), 2008. 
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Figure 2.4: Image of the Injectable Medicine 
 
Source: http://www.aidsmap.com/Does-injectable-hormonal-contraception-increase-the-risk- 
of-HIV-infection/page/2454435/ (14 March, 2014.) 
 
Emergency Contraception is the use of certain methods after unprotected sex to prevent 
pregnancy. This can be achieved by using emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), oral 
contraceptive pills or copper bearing IUDS. Depending on when it is taken during the 
menstrual cycle, ECPs may delay or inhibit ovulation, affect the movement of sperms 
through the cervical mucus, prevent fertilization or inhibit implantation. The pills are 
effective that is between 74% and 87% (GHS), 2008. It is more effective the sooner after 
unprotected sex. However, ECPs are not as effective as consistent use of most contraceptive 
methods. When copper bearing IUDs are inserted within five days of unprotected sex, they 
are the most effective method of emergency contraception. They reduce the risk of pregnancy 
by more than 99%. This method however does not protect against sexually transmittable 
diseases/infections (STIs) and could also have a short term effects of nausea, vomiting, 
headaches, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting. 
 
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Figure 2.5: Image of ECP 
 
Source: http://nydoctorsurgentcare.blogspot.com/2013/02/emergency-contraception-what-is-
it.htmlaccessed on 15 March, 2014. 
 
2.1.3. Barriers or natural methods 
Condoms are made up of latex or plastic rubber. It could be a male or female condom to 
prevent unwanted pregnancy. The male condom is a sheath, or covering made up of thin latex 
rubber to fit over a man’s erect penis before sexual intercourse. The female condom is also a 
sheath made of thin transparent, soft plastic which the woman places high inside her vagina 
before sexual intercourse. It covers the entire vaginal wall and part of the external genitalia. 
By this, the condom provides the barrier that prevents sperms from entering the womb (GHS, 
2008). It has the advantage of preventing STIs unlike the other types of birth control 
methods. 
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Figure 2.6. The Male Condom 
 
Source: http://facweb.northseattle.edu/troot/HEA150/week9/wk9read1.htm, accessed on 14 
March, 2014. 
 
Figure 2.7. The Female Condom 
 
Source: http://www.ghananewsagency.org/health/female-condom-makes-sex-feel-natural-
65243, accessed on 14 March, 2014. 
 
 
Foaming tablet is a contraceptive method that is inserted into the vagina for five to ten 
minutes before intercourse to prevent pregnancy. After dissolving, the tablet kills the sperms 
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before it enters the womb. It is very effective when used with a condom. It has no side effects 
but the disadvantage is that a tablet should be inserted after each sexual act. 
 
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) otherwise known as the breastfeeding method 
although a natural birth control method, seems not to be well known by the populace unlike 
the rhythm method. It is based on a principle that assumes that after childbirth once the 
woman has not begun menstruating and is still fully breastfeeding both day and night, the 
mother is not likely to give birth. The suckling of the infant suppresses the production of the 
hormones that are necessary for ovulation. In comparison with the other birth control 
methods, it is proven to be highly effective as out of 100% of patronisers the probability that 
they will not become pregnant within one year is 98-99.5% 
(http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org). This provides an easy switch between using the 
method and allowing for pregnancy. 
 
 Merits of this method include the non-interference with sex and easy to use such that most 
women may not acknowledge its role. Despite this, its cons may be the duration being so 
limited and the fact that breastfeeding patterns may be difficult to keep up. Also, it is difficult 
to predict if the ovaries are ready to start releasing an egg (ovulating). However, as soon as a 
woman begins to menstruate, she is supposed to adopt another method of birth control to 
avoid unwarranted pregnancy (GHS, 2008). 
 
Rhythm or calendar method is a form of natural family planning. In order to use the rhythm 
method, the menstrual cycle is tracked to calculate when she is likely to ovulate. It helps to 
determine which days to avoid sex that can lead to pregnancy. It therefore requires cautious 
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record keeping and attentiveness. This is because the slightest mistake in the calculations 
could get a woman pregnant. This method works on the statistical principle of normal 
distribution such that pregnancies are more likely within 10 to 18 days after menstruation 
based on the normal 28-day cycle with the most fertile day being the mid-point of the 28-day 
cycle (day 14). 
Withdrawal before ejaculation method, also referred to as coitus interruptus, is a natural 
method of birth control. It involves the man pulling his penis from the vagina just before 
ejaculation. This works effectively when the man in question has a high sense of self control 
to be able to pull out when he reaches the point of maximum sexual excitement. Hence 
couples who have great self-control, experience, and trust may use the withdrawal method 
more effectively. However this method is not 100% effective since it is known that some 
ejaculation can take place within the normal period of sexual intercourse before full 
ejaculation. 
 
Traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence of the woman from 
husband or partner for some months is also a method of birth control where vaginal sexual 
intercourse is avoided for a period of time. During this period, the woman avoids pregnancy 
and the method is used to space children. Mostly, after the woman gives birth she moves to 
live with other relatives to avoid having sexual contact with the partner. Being continuously 
abstinent is the most important way to be very sure to avoid pregnancy. It is mostly practised 
in the traditional Ghanaian society. 
 
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2.2. Birth Control and Policy 
In 1969, Ghana adopted a population policy that recognized the possible negative impacts 
population growth had on economic development and the need to control the growing 
population (Oliver, 1995). Prior to that, the Ghanaian government was a co-sponsor of a 
resolution on population growth and economic development in the 1962-63 sessions of the 
United Nations (UN) General Assembly (Asante-Sarpong, 2007).  
 
Asante-Sarpong (2007) reports that government as a way of consolidating its commitment to 
regulating population growth carried out a mass publicity and education campaign on birth 
control in 1969. It then again followed with a population awareness week in the late 1970’s, 
to improve knowledge and acceptance of family planning. This was in line with its 
commitment to adopt and implement effective and appropriate strategies and programs to 
control population growth in accordance with the vision of achieving economic development, 
growth, modernization and the improvement of the living standards of people.  
 
Formal family planning was introduced before the adoption of the policy in 1969. In 1961, 
the Christian Council of Ghana established a Family Advice Centre to provide couples with 
advice on family planning. The policy in 1969 also paved way for the establishment of the 
Ghana National Family Planning Programme in 1970 to provide family planning services 
(Oliver, 1995) to promote family planning adoption. In 1994, the Population Policy was 
reviewed to embrace evolving issues such as HIV/AIDS, environmental degradation, gender 
equality, protection of the elderly and persons with disabilities and promotion of the 
education and the welfare of children and the youth, with family planning maintained as a 
core policy tool (National Population Council Factsheet, 2004). The Ghana Poverty 
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Reduction Strategy (2003-2005) (GPRS I) identified family planning as an important 
measure for ensuring development relative to population growth and resource availability 
(NDPC, 2003).  
 
The Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (2006-2009) (GPRS II) also contained a clear 
policy direction to reduce population growth rate relative to economic growth, with an 
understanding of the fact that population growth had strong linkages with economic growth 
and long lasting social development. According to the GPRS II, population growth increases 
the availability of labour but not necessarily its quality. It therefore stands that efforts should 
be made to achieve population growth rates that support economic growth and social 
development. Population management was to be based on making it easy for people to obtain 
and use family planning services, educating the youth on sexual relationship, fertility 
regulation, adolescent health, marriage and child bearing and promoting compulsory 
education for children, particularly girl-child up to the secondary school level (NDPC, 2006).   
 
The Government has continued to maintain its policy of using birth control methods as a tool 
for population control based on the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda 
(GSGDA) (2010 - 2013) policy framework.  The GSGDA policy framework identified the 
key issue of low coverage of reproductive health and family planning services. In addressing 
this challenge, the framework set an objective of repositioning family planning as apriority 
with several strategies. Some of these strategies include integrating family planning into 
plans and activities of government departments and agencies; strengthening partnerships 
among stakeholders including the private sector to promote family planning and increasing 
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the number of trained professionals in reproductive health and family planning services 
delivery (NDPC, 2010). 
 
2.3. Contraceptive Use in Ghana 
A projected 220 million women in developing countries globally have a need to avoid 
pregnancy, organize and plan their families but lack access to modern contraceptive services 
according to the (Daroch, 2013; Daroch & Singh, 2013). This primarily is due to the fact that 
birth control helps women and men determine the size of their families and regulate 
childbirth. In addition, it protects individual health and rights, conserves natural resources, 
and is an important conduit for improving economic standard outcomes for families and 
communities. It is estimated that about one-third of all maternal deaths and illnesses could be 
avoided and prevented if women were able to easily access effective birth control methods 
(http://www.engenderhealth.org/our-work/family-planning/index.php).  
 
Awareness of birth control methods especially contraceptives is high in Ghana. The 2003 
Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) confirms this assertion by reporting that 
about 98 percent of women and about 99% of men had heard of at least one modern method 
of contraception. In the 2008 GDHS about 17% of married women used a modern method of 
family planning with an additional 7% using a traditional method. Injectable (6%) was the 
most frequently used method (refer to Table 2.1). This was followed by the pill; it was 
recorded that 5% of married women aged 15 to 49 years used this product in 2008.  
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Table 2.1: Trends in the use of specific Family Planning methods by married women 
aged 15-49 years (in percentage of population) 
Methods GDHS 
1988 
GDHS 
1993 
GDHS 
1998 
GDHS 
2003 
GDHS 
2008 
 
Any Method 12.9 20.0 22.0 25.2 24 
Any Modern 
Method 
5.2 10.1 13.3 18.7 17 
Pill 1.8 3.2 3.9 5.5 5 
IUD 0.5 0.9 0.7 0.9 U 
Injectable 0.3 1.6 3.1 5.4 6 
Diaphragm 1.3 1.2 0.9 0.5 U 
Female Condom U U U 0.1 U 
Female 
Sterilisation 
1.0 0.9 1.3 1.9 U 
Implants U 0.0 0.1 1.0 U 
LAM U U 0.5 0.3 U 
Any traditional 
method 
7.7 10.1 8.7 6.5 7 
Withdrawal 0.9 2.1 1.5 0.8 U 
Other 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 U 
Source: Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and ICF Macro. 
(2009)U= unknown 
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2.4. Overview of Empirical Works on Awareness and Use of Birth Control Methods 
Birth control methods play a crucial role in population management, poverty alleviation, and 
human development. Effective birth control methods have a wide range of benefits. These 
benefits include increased maternal and child survival, improved nutrition, better educational 
prospects, increased possibility of girls and women getting into places of authority both at 
home and in society, and the prevention of sexually-transmitted infections (Bernstein  and 
Hansen, 2006; Griffin, 2006; World Bank, 2004). 
 
It is worthy of note that a certain level of awareness usually precedes the use of a particular 
birth control method. A number of research works have identified various factors influencing 
awareness of birth control methods. These factors include locational endowment, personal 
factors, economic factors as well as social factors. These factors were highlighted by a study 
by WHO which stated that the ability to control birth was quite complicated since it was 
influenced by factors such as social, cultural as well as economic factors (WHO, 1971).  
In a survey conducted among teenage pregnant women in Nigeria, there was a high level of 
general awareness as high as 91.7% among the women. This result showed the explorative 
instincts of youth hence their high level of awareness on birth control methods. From the 
study, the male condom and the combined oral pill ranked highest in terms of awareness. 
Despite the high level of general awareness of birth control methods, the use of more 
complicated methods was rare (Aboyeji et al., 2001). The majority of youth who were aware 
of birth control methods received information from friends (Aboyeji et al., 2001). Opoku and 
Kwaununu (2011) however found that health workers were the major source of information 
on emergency contraception in Ghana. The limitation of the latter study was that it failed to 
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categorize the awareness related to the age of respondents; this categorisation could have 
possibly revealed the dependency of teenagers and youth on friends in terms of knowledge of 
contraception. Tsui (1985) hypothesised that in a population, the more innovative groups 
such as the younger, educated urban women were first to become aware of and also the first 
to use various contraceptives. This hypothesis was confirmed by the findings of the study 
undertaken by Adjei et al. (2014).  
 At 
Okech et al. (2011) in their research on the usage of contraceptives in city slums in Kenya 
found a low level of patronage of contraceptives. This was possibly be due to the fact that 
residents lived in poor conditions with low level of education and therefore did not appreciate 
contraceptive usage as compared to those who are were rich and well educated. Adjei et al. 
(2014) identified education as well as employment status as some of the major factors 
influencing the use of birth control methods. This was because education increases people’s 
responsiveness and understanding of birth control methods as opposed. Employment status 
was also identified as a major influence on the use of birth control methods as it related to 
urban working women who were busy following professional development path and were 
less likely to produce children as compared to non-professional women based in rural areas. 
 
Religious beliefs have also been found as major factor that influences people’s use of birth 
control methods. Fundamentalist adherents of some religions believe that child birth is a 
natural process ordained by God and therefore should not be hindered by any means. These 
fundamentalist believers are less likely to use contraceptives. Oyedokun (2007) found 
evidence of religion influencing the usage of contraception in Nigeria.  
 
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The summary of the literature review suggests that the use of birth control methods by adult 
women is dependent on the general information and awareness of these products. However, 
other socio-economic factors exert important influence on the use of birth control methods. 
These socio-economic factors include age, education, employment status, religiosity and the 
desire to have children. These factors are incorporated in the conceptual framework of this 
study which is discussed in the next section. 
 
2.5. Conceptual Framework 
The conceptual framework of the study is illustrated in Figure 2.8. Contraceptive use by adult 
women is influenced by the extent of general awareness of the birth control methods. A poor 
general awareness of birth control methods may lead to relatively low use of contraceptives 
largely due to inadequate information regarding their local availability, safety and cost 
effectiveness of birth control methods. The use of birth control methods is not only dependent 
on awareness of these products but it may also be due to other socio-economic factors. Hence 
socio-economic factors may influence both awareness and subsequent use of the birth control 
methods. Locational factors include whether the individual lives in a rural, urban or peri-
urban area and whether birth control products are available locally. Urban and peri-urban 
areas have a greater possibility of being aware of birth control methods and using them due to 
generally greater access of various forms of media and the level of education in these areas. 
Social factors that can influence the awareness and use of birth control methods include 
religion, peer influence and association membership. Poor perspective on family planning 
due to religion, peer influence and other factors may limit contraceptive acceptability and 
use. In addition, economic factors influence the level of awareness and subsequent usage of 
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birth control methods. These economic factors include their personal income, household 
income, employment status and the total cost of accessing birth control methods. In effect, 
the economic status of users could empower their decision-making related to awareness and 
use of birth control methods. 
 
The educational level of individuals, knowledge of the types of contraceptive, number of 
children as well as the individual’s involvement in sexual relationship has a direct influence 
on the use of birth control methods. The more educated and enlightened a person is, the 
greater the possibility of using birth control methods.  
The number of children that a woman has also influences the use or non-use of a birth control 
method. Women who have many children may consider some types of birth control methods 
while those with no child and are married may be less inclined to use birth control methods. 
Finally, once people are aware of birth control methods, their use and continuous adoption 
would depend partly on the attributes of these products especially their side effects from use. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Figure 2.8: Conceptual Framework Used for the Study 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source: Author’s construct, 4 March, 2014
Awareness and information  
of birth control methods 
 
Economic Characteristics 
*Personal income. 
*Household income. 
*Cost of accessing birth control method. 
.                           
*Employment. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-- 
Social Factors 
 
-Religion. 
 
-Association membership. 
 
-Peer influence. 
Location 
- Urban 
 
- Rural 
 
- Peri-Urban 
Personal Factors 
-Educational level 
-Knowledge of the types of 
contraceptives 
 
-Number of Children 
 
-Involvement in sexual relationship 
 
Use of birth control methods 
Quality attributes of 
birth control 
methods 
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CHAPTER THREE 
METHODOLOGY 
3.1 Introduction 
This chapter presents the sampling procedure, the research design and sample size and the 
various methods used in the analysis of the different objectives. It also discusses the 
analytical tools and software employed in the analysis of the survey data. 
 
3.2 Research Design 
There are three types of data that can be used for empirical analysis, namely time series, 
cross- sectional and pooled (time series and cross sectional) data. The research design used in 
this study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey where data collection occurred at a single 
point in time for each individual in a household but was spread over a two month period to 
cover all 120 people interviewed. 
 
Burns and Grove (2003) define research design as a blueprint for conducting a study which 
ensures that the researcher has adequate control over factors that may interfere with the 
validity and dependability of the findings. According to Ahiadeke (2008), a research design is 
a framework outlining the various activities necessary to effectively address the research 
question. This study adopted a scientific survey involving individual people as the unit of 
analysis due to the need to interview them for specific responses. Surveys are used by 
researchers for descriptive, explanatory and exploratory purposes. A proper scientific design 
helps to make generalization out of the findings from a sample to reflect the views of the 
target population (Anaman, 2014). 
 
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3.2.1. Sources of Data 
The study employed the use of primary and secondary data which were obtained using both 
qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Primary data were obtained through the use of 
structured comprehensive questionnaires. The interviews were conducted with females 
between the ages of 15 and 49 years, the age period representing the reproductive years of 
females. The questionnaires were administered based on face-to-face interviews by the author 
of this study. The 120 respondents were chosen with a maximum of three respondents per 
house to ensure a greater spread and diversity of the respondents within the survey area. 
Secondary data were obtained from relevant books, journals, articles, internet, published and 
unpublished materials. 
 
3.2.2. Unit of Analysis 
The unit of analysis for the research study was females between the ages of 15 and 49 years 
at Abokobi, the capital town of the Ga East Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra region 
of Ghana. The survey focussed geographically on the Abokobi township neglecting its hidden 
and very woody parts which are normally considered to be part of the town. 
  
3.2.3. Sampling Size Determination 
The survey of houses involved the scientific sampling procedures. These procedures were 
based on selecting an optimal size of 101 houses out of the total 404 houses in Abokobi as at 
the time of the survey. The desired maximum sampling error was 10%. The minimum 
optimal size (n) of 101 was chosen based on a formula suggested by Yamane (1973). This 
formula is given as n = N/1+N (e)2 where N is the total number of households and e is the 
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margin of error (assumed to be 10% for this study). The details of the determination of the 
optimal sample size are provided in Appendix 2. 
 
3.3. Survey Sampling and Administration Procedures 
This survey on the awareness and factors influencing the use of birth control methods among 
women was undertaken using scientific sampling techniques. Cluster sampling was a 
principal mode of sampling used in the study. It is a probability sampling procedure in which 
elements of the population are randomly selected in naturally-occurring clusters (Anaman, 
2014). There are three types of cluster sampling as follows: (1) single-stage (2) two-stage and 
(3) multi-stage cluster sampling. The researcher used the multi-stage cluster sampling 
method. Due to the nature of the questions being posed, the interviews were conducted in a 
private confidential setting between the interviewer and the respondent to ensure the highest 
level of comfortability and confidentiality. The survey was conducted over a period of five 
months from February to June 2014 by the author of this report. 
 
A scientific calculator was employed during the random cluster sampling to choose randomly 
houses located in the eight different clusters. The houses in the clusters were numbered 
sequentially for easy tracking to avoid duplication. The random number generator available 
from a scientific calculator was used to randomly select houses in the clusters. The author 
visited each house that was randomly selected by the scientific calculator and interviewed 
household females between the ages of 15 and 49 years who were willing and able to answer 
questions related to the survey. 
 
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This survey employed the use of the multi-stage cluster sampling method (Anaman, 2014). 
Eight identifiable areas of the Abokobi Main Town that were based on major road 
intersections were used as clusters by the researcher. Houses in each of the eight clusters 
were numbered. The population of numbered houses in Abokobi Main Town as at the time of 
the survey was 404. The optimal sample size for each cluster was based on the number of 
houses in each cluster as a proportion of the total number of houses in the entire Abokobi 
Main Town (404) multiplied by the optimal sample size (101). Appendix 3 shows the details 
of the sampling procedures applied to the eight clusters in the determination of the optimal 
size for each cluster and the entire Abokobi main town.  
 
A small pilot survey was initiated in February 2014 involving ten (10) respondents. The 
purpose of the pilot survey was to assess the suitability of the questions and to gather the 
required information that were not in the questionnaire. The results of the pilot survey were 
utilized to improve the questionnaire. Prior to the household face-to-face interviews, the Ga 
East Municipal Assembly was informed of the survey and permission to interview 
respondents was sought and approval received for the survey. More importantly, interviews 
were only conducted with the approval and consent of respondents. 
 
The final questionnaire was developed after the pilot survey and it consisted of six main 
sections. A copy of the questionnaire used for the study is presented in Appendix 1. Section 
A of the questionnaire captured general information on population and birth control methods 
in the Municipality. This section elicited the perceptions of respondents on population and 
birth control to control population.  Section B dealt with the awareness of the different birth 
control methods. Section C focused on the use of birth control methods by the respondents. 
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Section D requested details of the use and non-use of birth control methods. Section E 
elicited data relating to current use of birth control methods. Section F, the last component, 
asked questions related to the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents including age, 
income level, education and marital status. 
 
3.4. Methodology for Objective 1: Determination of the Extent of Awareness of Birth 
Control Methods. 
Respondents were given a score table of a range of 0 to 5 to rank their level of knowledge or 
awareness of the various birth control methods. A score of 5 represented very high level of 
awareness, 4 represented high level of awareness, 3 indicated moderate level of awareness, 2 
represented low level of awareness, 1 represented very low level of awareness and 0 
represented total lack of awareness of the particular birth control method. Respondents’ 
rankings were averaged to determine the average level of importance. The standard deviation 
and the coefficients of variation of the average scores were also derived to establish the 
spread of the level of awareness of birth control method. 
 
3.5. Methodology for Objective 2: Establishment of the Factors Influencing the Level of 
Awareness of the Existence of Birth Control Methods. 
A multiple regression analysis of factors influencing the degree and level of awareness of 
birth control methods was undertaken based on the average score value for each respondent 
of the 19 identified birth control methods. This average score of awareness was used as the 
dependent variable. The independent variables were the age of the respondent, the 
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educational achievement of the respondent and the childless status of the respondent related 
to whether the woman had children or not at the time of the survey. 
3.6. Methodology for the Objective 3: Ascertaining the Types and Intensity of Use of 
Birth Control Methods 
Respondents were requested to provide information on their use or non-use of various birth 
control methods within three specified time periods: (1) Currently at the time of survey,   
(2) Within the previous 12 months and (3) Over the period after 12 months. The proportions 
of respondents who used each of the identified 19 birth control methods over each of the 
three time periods were derived using simple statistical analysis based on averages. 
 
3.7. Methodology for Objective 4: Establishment of Factors Influencing the Use or Non-
use of Birth Control Methods. 
 
A logistic regression model was used to assess the factors that influenced ever-use and non-
use of modern birth control methods. This model was based on assigning a categorical status 
to the dependent variable with 1 representing use and 0 representing non-use.  In this study, 
the likelihood of the female respondent ever using a birth control method was the dependent 
variable. The independent variables were being in a current sexual relationship, the level of 
awareness of birth control methods, having children, being currently married and aged 20 and 40 
years and student status. 
  
3.8. Theory of Binary Logistic Regression Analysis 
According to Garson (2008) and Ahiadeke (2008) indicates that the logistic regression model 
can be used to predict a dependent variable given either a continuous and/or categorical 
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explanatory variables. The analysis can also give an indication of the relative significance of 
independent variables relative to the dependent variable under investigation. Aryeetey et al. 
(2010), in their research on Knowledge, Perceptions and Ever Use of Modern Contraception 
among women was the use of various logistic regression models to examine characteristics of 
women who ever used modern family planning methods of birth control.  
 
Pindyck and Rubinfield (1981), the cumulative logistic probability model is specified as: 
Pi= F (Zi) = 1 + 1/1+e-(α+βixi) 
Where Pi is the probability that an individual has ever used birth control methods whether 
natural family planning methods or artificial ones. The parameters α and β are to be estimated.  
The log odds of the probability that has ever used a birth control method is given by: 
log (Pi/ 1-Pi) = α+ β1x1 + β2 x2  +………..+ βkxk  
 
Furthermore, the attributes of the various birth control methods that are considered in 
choosing a birth control method are also analysed. They are averaged and the standard 
deviation and the coefficient of variation are also computed. 
 
3.9. Data Analysis 
Completed questionnaires were numbered and checked for completeness, clarity and 
consistency at the end of each interview. Data were cleaned up and irrelevant materials 
removed. The data were coded in Microsoft Excel software and were transferred to the 
Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) Version 20 software for statistical analysis. 
The author wrote a computer programme using SPSS syntax commands to analyse the data. 
The details of the SPSS programme are provided in Appendix 4. 
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3.10. Ethical Considerations 
The respondents were assured of confidentiality of their responses and that results of the 
study would be reported in aggregate forms without identifying any particular person. Further 
consent was sought from the Ga East Municipal Assembly before the commencement of the 
study. 
 
3.11. Brief Description of the Study Area 
The Ga East Municipal Assembly is located at the northern part of the Greater Accra Region 
of Ghana. It is one of the Sixteen (16) Districts in the Greater Accra Region and covers a land 
area of about 96 sq. km. The capital of the Municipal Assembly is Abokobi. The Assembly is 
bordered on the west by the Ga West Municipal Assembly (GWMA), on the east by the La - 
Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly (LaNMA), the south by Accra Metropolitan Assembly 
(AMA) and the north by the Akwapim South District Assembly. The Municipality is sub 
divided into two administrative areas known as Zonal Councils, namely, the Abokobi Zonal 
Council and Dome Zonal Council (Ga East Municipal Assembly Archives). 
 
The 2010 National Population and Housing Census put the Municipal Assembly’s population 
at 198,220 with an intercensal growth rate of about 4.2%. The projected population for the 
year 2013 is 224,837. The growth of the population is mainly due to the influence of 
migration inflows. The structure of the population has about 51% males and 49% females 
with an average household size of 4.6. There are about 52 settlements in the district with 
Abokobi, a well-known Presbyterian community as the Municipal capital. The population is 
concentrated mainly along the urban and peri-urban areas of the Municipality particularly 
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along the border with AMA to the south. These include Madina, Dome, Taifa and Haatso 
among others (Ga East Municipal Assembly Archives).  
 
The urban / peri-urban population constitutes 82% of the Municipality’s total population with 
the remaining 12% residing in the rural portion towards the Akwapim Hills. The Municipality 
can therefore be described as urban. It is however important to note that the urban population 
resides in about 65% of the total land area of the district. This indicates a densely populated 
urban area with its associated pressure on social infrastructure and land. Land litigation, 
encroachment on the few open spaces, overcrowding and construction of illegal structures are 
some of the development challenges the Assembly has to manage (Ga East Municipal 
Assembly Archives). 
 
The Ga East Municipal Health Management Team is responsible for all health service 
delivery in the entire municipality. The municipality is divided into four areas for the 
organization and distribution of primary health care services. These areas are Abokobi, 
Dome, Taifa and Haatso. Each area health management team has the responsibility for the 
delivery of health services to their population. There are trained traditional birth attendants 
(TBAs) and other care providers such as chemical shop dealers, pharmacies, maternity homes 
and traditional healers in the municipality (Ga East Municipal Assembly Archives). 
 
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Figure 3.1: Map of the Ga East Municipality. 
 
Source: Ga East Municipal Area Archives. 
 
 
 
 
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CHAPTER FOUR 
RESULTS OF ANALYSIS DEALING WITH 
AWARENESS OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS 
 
4.1 Socio-economic Characteristics of Survey Respondents 
Table 4.1 provides a summary of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents who 
participated in the survey. Based on frequency analysis, about 45.8% of respondents were 
single, 35% were married, 5.8% had been divorced, 3.3% were widows, 9.2% were found to 
be in informal unions and 0.8% had separated from the partner. The study area is dominated 
by Christians. This is attributed to the area being a major centre of the Basel Missionaries 
from Switzerland who developed the Christian movement in the area in the 19th century.  
 
With regards to ethnicity, about 32.8% of the respondents were Gas, 24.4% were Ewes while 
11.8% were Fantes. About 9.2% of the respondents were Asantes. About 7.5% were Ga- 
Adangbes whilst the Akyems constituted about 5.0% and Akuapims 3.4% of the respondents. 
It is clear that the Gas and Ga-Adangbes were the dominant macro-ethnic group in the area. 
 
Considering age, 46.7% of the respondents were in the 15-25 years of age range while 34.2% 
were in the 26-37 years of age category. About 19.2% of respondents were in 38-49 years of 
age category. Together the data showed that the majority of the females were young. The 
relatively young population could be a source of unwarranted pregnancies given that they 
were in active reproductive stage unless they were aware of birth control methods. 
 
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Another important socio-economic characteristic was the level of education attained. 
Majority at a percentage of 49.2% of the respondents had completed junior high school or its 
equivalent, 11.9% had completed some level of senior high school education but could not 
complete senior high school while 6.8% of the respondents had graduated from the senior 
high school. About 7.6% of the respondents had primary school qualification, 5.7% had a 
Higher National Diploma (HND) programme and 5.1% had completed undergraduate 
university educational programmes. About 4.2% did not attend any formal school. Overall, 
majority of the respondents were educated and were expected to understand birth control 
methods if they were introduced to them by various means of awareness. 
 
In terms of occupation, 42.5% of the respondents were self-employed 19.2% were students, 
8.3% were government sector employees, 14.2% were employed in the private sector while 
1.7% were artisans.  About 0.8% of respondents were farmers and 13.3% were unemployed. 
These results indicate that a large percentage of the respondents were workers accounting for 
86.7% of survey participants. 
 
Table 4.2 reports average figures of selected socio-economic characteristics of respondents. 
The mean age for the whole group was approximately 28 years implying a youthful 
population. The average household size was approximately five. The number of male 
children born per woman was 0.8 while female children was 0.7 indicating slightly greater 
number of males to females born. The average total monthly personal income of respondents 
was about 700 Ghana Cedis (GH₵). The average household income was GH₵ 1,650.   
 
 
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Table 4.1: Summary of socio-economic characteristics of survey respondents based on 
frequency analysis. 
Item/ group Percentage (%) 
Age group 
 15-20 
 21-25 
 26-30 
 31-35 
 36-40 
 41-45 
 46-49 
 
19.9 
26.6 
15.0 
18.4 
9.1 
6.7 
4.2 
Marital Status 
 Single 
 Married 
 Informal unions 
 Divorced 
 Widowed 
 Separated 
 
45.8 
35.0 
  9.2 
  5.8 
  3.3 
   0.8 
Educational Level 
 No formal education  
 Primary school 
 Junior high school 
 Some senior high school 
 Completed senior high school 
 Technical college/school 
 HND 
 Diploma 
 Bachelor degree 
 Other certificate 
 
4.2 
7.6 
49.2 
11.9 
 6.8 
1.7 
5.9 
4.2 
5.1 
3.4 
Ethnicity 
 Ga  
 Ewe 
 Fante 
 Asante 
 Ga Adangbe 
 Akyem 
 Akuapem 
 Konkomba 
 All others  
 
32.8 
24.4 
11.8 
9.2 
7.5 
5.0 
3.4 
1.7 
1.8 
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Occupation 
 Self- employed/own business 
 Others such as student 
 Private sector employee 
 Unemployed 
 Government sector employee 
 Artisan 
 Farmers 
 
42.0 
19.3 
14.3 
13.4 
8.4 
1.7 
0.8 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
Table 4.2: Summary of socio-economic characteristics of survey respondents based on 
averages. 
Item  Mean Standard Deviation 
Age (years) 
28.3 9.3 
Total personal income of respondents 
per month, Ghana Cedis (GH₵) 
700.0                  8.3 
Total household income of respondents 
per month (GH₵) 
              1650.0 8.0 
Number of people in the household 
5.0 3.0 
Number of children 
1.5 1.9 
Number of male children including 
living and those dead. 
0.8 1.2 
Number of female children including 
living and those dead. 
0.7 1.0 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
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4.2: Overview of Awareness of Birth Control Methods 
The study identified 17 major specific methods of birth control and two minor birth control 
methods used by respondents. The 17 major birth control methods in order of the level of 
awareness are as follows: (1) Male condom, (2) Illegal abortion, (3) Female condom, (4) 
Injectable medicine, (5) Rhythm or Calendar method (6) Female pill (7) Legal abortion (8) 
Withdrawal before ejaculation (9) Implant (10) Emergency contraception (11) Female 
sterilization (12) Traditional herbs (13) Intra Uterine Device (IUD) (14) Foaming tablet (15) 
Men taking drugs to prevent pregnancy (16) Male sterilization and (17) Breastfeeding 
method.  
 
The two minor ones are (18) Traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence of 
the woman from husband or partner for a few months and (19) Taking alcohol after sexual 
intercourse by the woman. The 17 major methods are those that the vast majority of the 
respondents (over 90%; between 115 to 120 respondents) indicated some level of awareness. 
Traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence was indicated by 12 women 
while using alcohol after sexual intercourse was indicated by only three women respondents. 
 
Table 4.3 presents the average score of awareness of each of the 19 identified major birth 
control methods based on a scoring index from 0.0 to 5.0 with 0.0 indicating total lack of 
awareness of the birth control method and 5.0 the maximum level of awareness of the 
method. The seven most familiar methods of birth control based on the awareness assessment 
score were (1) male condom, (2) illegal abortion, (3) female condom, (4) injectable medicine, 
(5) rhythm or calendar method, (6) female pill and (7) legal abortion. All these seven 
methods were ranked above 4.0 in terms of the awareness index, in the high awareness range. 
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The next six most familiar methods of birth control were in the moderate awareness range 
from 3.0 to 4.0. These were (1) withdrawal before ejaculation method, (2) implant, (3) 
emergency contraception, (4) female sterilization, (5) traditional herbs and (6) IUD. The birth 
control methods considered to be lowly important in terms of level of awareness were (1) 
foaming tablet, (2) men taking drugs to prevent pregnancy, (3) male sterilization and finally 
(4) breastfeeding method. 
 
There was at least some level of awareness for each of the 17 birth control methods. This 
particular finding corroborated the results from the report of the Ghana Demographic and 
Health Survey developed by Ghana Health Service (2009) which stated that awareness of 
family planning was almost universal, with 98 percent of all women between 15-49 years having 
knowledge of at least one modern birth control method.  
  
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Table 4.3: Ranking of the level of awareness of birth control methods by respondents. 
Notes: 
The scoring is based on 5 denoting that item is very high level of awareness, 4 represented 
high level of awareness, 3 indicated moderate level of awareness, 2 represented low level of 
awareness, 1 represented very low level of awareness and 0 represented total lack of 
awareness of the particular birth control method. 
 
The coefficient of variation is the standard deviation divided by the mean score. 
* denotes the two least important birth control methods. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
No. Method  No. Average score  
of importance 
Standard 
deviation of 
score 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
1. Male condom 120 4.85 0.806 0.166 
2. Illegal abortion 119 4.77 0.897 0.188 
3. Female condom 120 4.58 1.275 0.278 
4. Injectable medicine 120 4.46 1.334 0.299 
5. Rhythm or calendar  120 4.43 1.493 0.337 
6. Female pill 120 4.30 1.510 0.351 
7. Legal abortion 120 4.22 1.711 0.405 
8. Withdrawal before 
ejaculation  
120 3.94 1.972 0.501 
9. Implant 120 3.86 1.984 0.514 
10. Emergency contraception 120 3.76 2.080 0.554 
11. Female sterilization 120 3.40 2.243 0.660 
12. Traditional herbs 120 3.17 2.349 0.741 
13. IUD 120 3.01 2.310 0.767 
14. Foaming tablet 120 2.75 2.359 0.858 
15. Men taking drugs to prevent 
pregnancy 
115 2.63 2.386 0.907 
16. Male sterilization 120 2.08 2.407 1.157 
 
17. Breastfeeding method 120 2.07 2.354 1.137 
 
18* Traditional method of birth 
control based on planned 
abstinence 
12 2.25 2.301 1.023 
19* Taking alcohol after sex by 
the woman 
3 3.33 2.887 0.866 
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4.3: Sources of Awareness and Information about Various Birth Control Methods 
4.3.1: Introduction 
As indicated in Chapter 1, birth control methods can be classified into three groups based on 
their effectiveness and the nature of the products. These are (1) long-acting contraceptive 
methods involving invasive procedures inside the human body such as surgery or implants 
which are reversible or non-reversible, (2) hormonal methods with minimal to medium 
contraceptive impact which largely involve the patient or client taking medicine or injection 
into the human body and (3) barriers and natural methods including traditional African 
cultural methods which aim to prevent direct contact between the male sperm and female 
egg. Adapting this classification into the Ghanaian context, the 19 birth control methods are 
classified into these three groups and are shown in Table 4.4.  
 
The first group of contraceptive methods which have long-term acting effects are (1) implants 
(2) IUD (3) male sterilisation (4) female sterilisation (5) legal abortion and (6) illegal 
abortion. The second group consists of methods which involve minimal invasive procedures 
into the human body and are largely hormonal in nature. This group is made up of the 
following: (7) injectable medicine (8) female pill, (9) emergency contraceptive (10) 
traditional herbs and (11) men taking hormonal and related medicine to prevent pregnancy. 
The third and last group are barriers and natural methods. This group consists of the 
following: (12) male condom (13) female condom (14) withdrawal before ejaculation method 
(15) rhythm or calendar method (16) foaming tablets (17) traditional birth control method 
based on planned abstinence of the woman from husband or partner for a few months (18) 
breastfeeding method and (19) taking alcohol after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. 
 
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Table 4.4: Classification of the 19 birth control methods into three groups as identified 
from respondents. 
 
Source: Author’s construct, 14 June, 2014 
  
  
Group 1: Long-acting  
contraceptive methods 
involving invasive 
procedures (six methods)  
Group 2: Hormonal 
methods with medium-term 
contraceptive impact (five 
methods) 
Group 3: Barriers or 
natural methods  
(eight methods) 
Implants Injectable medicine Male condom 
 
IUD Female pill Female condom 
 
Male sterilisation Emergency contraceptive Withdrawal before ejaculation 
method 
Female sterilisation Traditional herbs Rhythm or calendar method 
 
Legal abortion Men taking hormonal and 
related medicine to prevent 
pregnancy. 
Foaming tablets 
 
Illegal abortion  Traditional birth control 
method based on planned 
abstinence of the woman from 
husband or partner for a few 
months 
  Breastfeeding method 
 
  Taking alcohol after sexual 
intercourse to prevent 
pregnancy. 
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4.3.2: Sources of Awareness and Information for Long-acting Invasive Birth Control 
Methods 
 
For all the 19 identified birth control methods, the respondents were requested during the 
survey to provide the sources of awareness and information of these methods. The sources of 
awareness included advertisement through various mass media and other outlets, information 
from hospitals, clinics and health posts, information through sex education in schools and 
colleges, religious-based counselling and educational advice from churches or mosques, 
information from non-religious community organisations, information obtained from parents, 
carers and older relatives, information from siblings and cousins, peers and friends, books and 
video products and articles in the print media. 
 
As indicated in the earlier section, the six long-acting invasive birth control methods are (1) 
implants (2) IUD (3) male sterilisation (4) female sterilisation (5) legal abortion and (6) 
illegal abortion. For this study, respondents were not requested to provide information 
on the sources of awareness of the male sterilisation method. Tables 4.5 to 4.9 report on 
the sources and awareness and information for the remaining five long-acting invasive birth 
control methods respectively. The emphasis was on the dominant preferred method based on 
the proportion of respondents who identified the particular source.  
 
Table 4.5 provides information about the declared sources of awareness on the implant method. 
The most important source of information for this method was through information received 
from hospitals, clinics and health posts based on the 64.6% of respondents indicating this source. 
The next two most important sources of awareness were information from peers and friends 
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(24.2%) and advertisement through television (19.2%). Moderate sources of awareness were in 
descending order, programmes on radio (7.1%), books and video product (5.1%), information on 
siblings and cousins (5.0%), information from non-religious community organisations (4.0%) 
and information obtained from parents, carers and older relatives (4.0%). 
 
The sources of awareness for the IUD method are summarised in Table 4.6. Similar to the 
finding in Table 4.5, the most important source of information for IUD was through information 
received from hospitals, clinics and health posts based on the 57.5% of respondents indicating 
this source. The next two most important sources of awareness were advertisement through 
television (26.4%) and information from peers and friends (23%). The three least important 
sources of awareness were in descending order, information on siblings and cousins (1.1%), the 
Internet (1.1%) and articles in the print media (0.0%). 
 
Just like the IUD and implant, hospitals, clinics or health posts are the most important source of 
awareness of the product for the female sterilisation method with a score of 48.8% for these 
sources of information as captured in Table 4.7. Information from peers and friends (23.8%), sex 
education in schools and colleges (17.9%), advertisement through television (16.7%), 
programmes on television like Tele Nurse (14.3%) and advertisement through radio also at 
11.9% are in order of importance the next most important sources of awareness for this 
method of birth control as ascertained from the respondents. The least important source are 
religious-based counselling and educational advice from churches or mosques (2.4%), articles in 
the print media (1.2%), and the Internet (1.2%). 
 
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Table 4.5: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information on implant birth 
control method based on frequency analysis. 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source   (%) 
Rank 
1 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 64.6 1 
2 Information from peers and friends 24.2 2 
3 Advertisement through television 19.2 3 
4 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 17.2 4 
5 Advertisement through radio 11.1 5 
6 Sex education in schools and colleges 11.1 5 
7 Programmes on radio  7.1 7 
8 Books and video products 5.1 8 
9 Information from siblings and cousins 5.0 9 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
4.0 10 
11 Information obtained from parents, carers and 
older relatives 
4.0 10 
12 Other forms of advertisement 2.0 12 
13 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
2.0 12 
14 Articles in print media 2.0 12 
15 Advertisement through print media 1.0 15 
16 Internet 1.0 15 
17 Others 0.0 17 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
 
 
 
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Table 4.6: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information on IUD birth 
control method based on frequency analysis. 
 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source (%) 
Rank 
1 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 57.5 1 
2 Advertisement through television 26.4 2 
3 Information from peers and friends 23.0 3 
4 Sex education in schools and colleges 19.5 4 
5 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 19.5 4 
6 Advertisement through radio 17.2 6 
7 Books and video products 6.9 7 
8 Programmes on radio  5.7 8 
9 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
4.6 9 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
3.3 10 
11 Advertisement through print media 1.1 11 
12 Other forms of advertisement 1.1 11 
13 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
1.1 11 
14 Information from siblings and cousins 1.1 11 
15 Internet 1.1 11 
16 Articles in print media 0.0 16 
17 Others 0.0 16 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
 
 
 
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Table 4.7: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the female 
sterilisation birth control method based on frequency analysis. 
 
 
No. 
Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source (%) 
Rank 
1 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 48.8% 1 
2 Information from peers and friends 23.8% 2 
3 Sex education in schools and colleges 17.9% 3 
4 Advertisement through television 16.7% 4 
5 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 14.3% 5 
6 Advertisement through radio 11.9% 6 
7 Programmes on radio  7.1% 7 
8 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
6.0% 8 
9 Books and video products 6.0% 8 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
3.6% 10 
11 Information from siblings and cousins 3.6% 10 
12 Advertisement through print media 2.4% 12 
13 Other forms of advertisement 2.4% 12 
14 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
2.4% 12 
15 Articles in print media 1.2% 15 
16 Internet 1.2% 15 
17 Other 1.2% 15 
 
Note:  
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
  
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The fourth long-term acting birth control method is illegal abortion. For this method, 
information from peers and friends ranked as the most important source of awareness with 
61.8% of respondents declaring this source (refer to Table 4.8). The five other most important 
sources of awareness for this birth control method were sex education in schools and colleges 
(15.3%), programmes on radio (11.7%), programmes on television like Tele Nurse (9.0%), 
advertisement through radio (9.0%) and advertisement through television (6.3%). The least 
important sources of awareness identified are other forms of advertisement, hospitals, clinics or 
health posts, articles in the print media and the Internet. 
 
Similar to the case of illegal abortion, the most important source of awareness of the legal 
abortion method of birth control was through information from peers and friends (see Table 
4.9). This was the source declared by 44.3% of the respondents. The other five most important 
sources of awareness of this method are hospitals, clinics or health posts (25.2%), programmes 
on television like Tele Nurse (15%), programmes on radio (13%) and sex education in schools 
and colleges (12.1%) and advertisement through television(10.0%) as well as books and video 
products (10.0%). The least important sources identified are articles in the print media (1.0%), 
advertisement through print media (1.0%) and the Internet (1.0%). It is worth noting that 
although legal abortion is authorised by medical professionals in the bid to save the mother of 
the unborn baby, the health institutions are not the highest-ranked source of awareness but rather 
peers and friends. 
 
 
 
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Table 4.8: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for illegal 
abortion method of birth control based on frequency analysis.  
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source. 
Rank 
1 Information from peers and friends 61.8% 1 
2 Sex education in schools and colleges 15.3% 2 
3 Programmes on radio  11.7% 3 
4 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 9.0% 4 
5 Advertisement through radio 9.0% 4 
6 Advertisement through television 6.3% 6 
7 Books and video products 6.3% 6 
8 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
4.5% 8 
9 Information from siblings and cousins 2.7% 9 
10 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
2.7% 9 
11 Advertisement through print media 1.8% 11 
12 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
1.8% 11 
13 Other forms of advertisement 0.9% 13 
14 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 0.9% 13 
15 Articles in print media 0.9% 13 
16 Internet 0.9% 13 
17 Other 0.9% 13 
Note:  
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
  
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Table 4.9: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information on legal abortion 
control method based on frequency analysis. 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source. 
Rank 
1 Information from peers and friends 44.3% 1 
2 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 25.2% 2 
3 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 15.0% 3 
4 Programmes on radio  13.0% 4 
5 Sex education in schools and colleges 12.1% 5 
6 Advertisement through television 10.0% 6 
7 Books and video products 10.0% 6 
8 Advertisement through radio 8.0% 8 
9 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
3.0% 9 
10 Other forms of advertisement 2.0% 10 
11 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
2.0% 10 
12 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
2.0% 10 
13 Advertisement through print media 1.0% 13 
14 Information from siblings and cousins 1.0% 13 
15 Articles in print media 1.0% 13 
16 Internet 1.0% 13 
17 Other 0.0% 17 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
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4.3.3: Sources of Awareness and Information for Hormonal Methods of Birth Control 
which Allow for Medium-term Contraceptive Impact. 
As discussed in Section 4.3.1, the five main birth control methods identified in this study, 
which are largely hormonal in nature and allow for medium-term acting contraceptive impact 
are (1) injectable medicine (2) female pill, (3) emergency contraceptive (4) traditional herbs 
and (5) men taking hormonal and related medicine to prevent pregnancy. These methods 
involve minimal to moderate invasive body procedures. Tables 4.10 to 4.14 present the 
sources of awareness and information of these methods of birth control. 
 
The information on injectable medicine is reported in Table 4.10. For this method, hospitals, 
clinics or health posts are considered the most important source of awareness with 60.5% of the 
respondents declaring this source of information. The next five most important methods are 
advertisement through television (36.8%), information from peers and friends (21.1%), 
advertisement through radio (20.2%), sex education in schools and colleges (17.5%) and 
programmes on television like Tele Nurse (14.9%). Finally, information from siblings and 
cousins and Internet were found to have the lowest means by which the injectable medicine is 
known by the respondents with a percentage of 0.9% as seen in Table 4.10. The importance of 
hospitals and clinics as the most prevalent source of information for injectable medicine is due to 
the fact that the administration of this drug is normally done by experts and medical personnel 
based at hospitals and clinics. 
 
 
 
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Table 4.11 presents the sources of awareness of information regarding the female pill. 
Advertisements through television are the most importance source of information for this 
birth control method (55.3% of respondents). The next five most important sources in order 
of importance are hospitals, clinics or health posts (48.2%), information from peers and friends 
(34.2%), advertisement through radio (28.9%), programmes on television like Tele Nurse 
(28.1%), sex education in schools and colleges (25.4%).The four least important sources of 
awareness for the female pill are information from non-religious organisations, articles in 
print media, other forms of advertisement and the Internet. 
 
The sources of awareness for emergency contraception method of birth control are listed in 
Table 4.12 and they show that information from peers and friends is the most important 
(36.5%). The next five most important sources of awareness for this method are hospitals, 
clinics or health posts (35.5%), advertisement through television (32.3%), advertisement 
through radio (16.1%), sex education in schools and colleges (14.1%) and programmes on 
television like Tele nurse (12.1%). The least most important sources of awareness for this 
product are religious-based counselling and educational advice from churches or mosquesand 
the Internet. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table 4.10: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for injectable 
medicine method of birth control based on frequency analysis.  
 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 60.5% 1 
2 Advertisement through television 36.8% 2 
3 Information from peers and friends 21.1% 3 
4 Advertisement through radio 20.2% 4 
5 Sex education in schools and colleges 17.5% 5 
6 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 14.9% 6 
7 Programmes on radio  11.4% 7 
8 Advertisement through print media 10.5% 8 
9 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
6.1% 9 
10 Books and video products 3.5% 10 
11 
 
Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
2.6% 11 
12 Articles in print media 2.6% 11 
13 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
1.8% 13 
14 Other forms of advertisement 0.9% 14 
15 Information from siblings and cousins 0.9% 14 
16 Internet 0.9% 14 
17. Other 0.9% 14 
 
Note:   
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
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Table 4.11: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for female pill 
method of birth control based on frequency analysis. 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Advertisement through television 55.3% 1 
2 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 48.2% 2 
3 Information from peers and friends 34.2% 3 
4 Advertisement through radio 28.9% 4 
5 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 28.1% 5 
6 Sex education in schools and colleges 25.4% 6 
7 Programmes on radio  17.5% 7 
8 Books and video products 9.6% 8 
9 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
4.4% 9 
10 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
4.4% 9 
11 Advertisement through print media 2.6% 11 
12 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
2.6% 11 
13 Articles in print media 2.6% 11 
14 Other forms of advertisement 1.8% 14 
15 Internet 1.8% 14 
16 Other 1.8% 14 
17 Information from siblings and cousins 0.0% 17 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
  
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Table 4.12: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for emergency 
contraception method of birth control based on frequency analysis. 
 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Information from peers and friends 36.5% 1 
2 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 35.5% 2 
3 Advertisement through television 32.3% 3 
4 Advertisement through radio 16.1% 4 
5 Sex education in schools and colleges 14.1% 5 
6 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 12.1% 6 
7 Programmes on radio  8.0% 7 
8 Books and video products 7.0% 8 
9 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
3.0% 9 
10 Advertisement through print media 2.0% 10 
11 Other forms of advertisement 2.0% 10 
12 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
2.0% 10 
13 Information from siblings and cousins 2.0% 10 
14 Articles in print media 2.0% 10 
15 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
1.0% 15 
16 Internet 1.0% 15 
17 Other 0.0% 17 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
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Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for traditional herbs method of 
birth control are presented in Table 4.13. Information from peers and friends constitutes the 
most source of awareness information for this type of birth control method as declared by 
54.2% of the respondents. The next five most sources of awareness for this method are 
information from parents, carers, and older relatives (20.9%), sex education in schools and 
colleges (9.8%), advertisement through television (8.5%), hospitals, clinics or health posts 
(7.2%) and information from siblings and cousins (6.2%). The least important sources are other 
forms of advertisement (2.5%), programmes on radio (2.4%) and programmes on television like 
TeleNurse (2.4%). Unlike other hormonal birth control methods, information on traditional 
herbs are less likely to be found in hospital, clinics and health posts an apparent 
discrimination by modern health centres against traditional herbs.  
 
Table 4.14 provides information on the sources of awareness for men taking hormonal and 
related medicine as a birth control method to prevent pregnancy. About seven in ten of the 
respondents (70.2%) indicate that information from peers and friends was the source of 
awareness for this product. This information source is the most important and clearly the 
most dominant since all the other sources of information of awareness are reported by less 
than 15% of respondents. The next five most important sources of awareness of this product 
are advertisement through radio (12.0%), programmes on radio (9.0%), sex education in 
schools and colleges (7.5%), religious-based counselling and educational advice from churches 
or mosques (4.5%) and hospitals, clinics or health posts (4.5%). The least important sources of 
awareness are advertisement through television (3.0%), books and video products (3.0%), 
information from non-religious community organisations (1.5%) and information from siblings 
and cousins (1.5%). 
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Table 4.13: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for traditional 
herbs method of birth control based on frequency analysis. 
 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Information from peers and friends 54.2% 1 
2 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
20.9% 2 
3 Sex education in schools and colleges 9.8% 3 
4 Advertisement through television 8.5% 4 
5 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 7.2% 5 
6 Information from siblings and cousins 6.2% 6 
7 Other 4.9% 7 
8 Advertisement through radio 4.8% 8 
9 Books and video products 4.8% 8 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
3.7% 10 
11 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
3.6% 11 
12 Other forms of advertisement 2.5% 12 
13 Programmes on radio  2.4% 13 
14 Programmes on television like TeleNurse 2.4% 13 
15 Internet 0.0% 15 
16 Articles in print media 0.0% 15 
17 Advertisement through print media 0.0% 15 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
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Table 4.14: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for men taking 
hormonal and related medicine to prevent pregnancy based on frequency analysis.  
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Information from peers and friends 70.2% 1 
2 Advertisement through radio 12.0% 2 
3 Programmes on radio  9.0% 3 
4 Sex education in schools and colleges 7.5% 4 
5 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
4.5% 5 
6 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 4.5% 5 
7 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 4.5% 5 
8 Advertisement through television 3.0% 8 
9 Books and video products 3.0% 8 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
1.5% 10 
11 Information from siblings and cousins 1.5% 10 
12 Other 1.5% 10 
13 Advertisement through print media 0.0% 13 
14 Other forms of advertisement 0.0% 13 
15 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
0.0% 13 
16 Articles in print media 0.0% 13 
17 Internet 0.0% 13 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
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4.3.4: Sources of Awareness and Information for Barriers and Natural Methods of Birth 
Control Which Allow for Short-term Contraceptive Impact 
 
As discussed in Section 4.3.1, the third and last group of birth control methods are barriers 
and natural methods. This group consists of the following: (1) male condom (2) female 
condom (3) withdrawal before ejaculation method (4) rhythm or calendar method (5) foaming 
tablets (6) traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence of the woman from 
husband or partner for a few months, (7) breastfeeding method and (8) taking alcohol by the 
woman after sexual act. The main source of awareness for the method involving taking 
alcohol after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy was largely based on information from 
peers and friends. This source is only indicated by three out of the 120 respondents.  
 
Tables 4.15 to 4.21 provide results dealing with the sources of awareness and information for 
six barriers and natural methods (excluding the use of alcohol). Table 4.15 provides the 
sources of awareness for the use of male condom as a birth control method. Television is 
regarded as the most important source of awareness of this birth control method with over 
seven in ten (71.4%) of respondents indicating this route as their source of awareness of the 
product. The next five most important sources are advertisement through radio (48.2%), 
information from siblings and cousins (43.8%),  hospitals, clinics and health posts (41.1%), sex 
education in schools and colleges (41.1%) and programmes on television like Tele Nurse 
(33.9%). The least important sources of awareness are advertisement through print media 
(2.7%), other forms of advertisement (1.8%), articles in print media (1.8%) and the Internet 
(0.9%). 
  
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Table 4.15: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the use of 
male condom with the approval of the spouse to prevent pregnancy based on frequency 
analysis. 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source (percentage) 
Rank 
1 Advertisement through television 71.4%                         1 
2 Advertisement through radio 48.2% 2 
3 Information from peers and friends 43.8% 3 
4 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 41.1% 4 
5 Sex education in schools and colleges 41.1% 4 
6 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 33.9% 6 
7 Programmes on radio  28. 6% 7 
8 Books and video products 15.2% 8 
9 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
7.1% 9 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
5.4% 10 
11 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
4.5% 11 
12 Advertisement through print media 2.7% 12 
13 Other forms of advertisement 1.8% 13 
14 Articles in print media 1.8% 13 
15 Other…….. 1.8% 13 
16 Internet 0.9% 16 
17 Information from siblings and cousins 0.0% 17 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
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Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the use of female condom as 
a method of birth control are presented in Table 4.16. Advertisement through television 
(47.3%) is regarded as the premium source of awareness for this method. The other five 
highest sources attested by respondents are hospitals, clinics or health posts (42.9%), 
information from peers and friends (31.3%), sex education in schools and colleges (30.4%), 
advertisement through radio (29.5%) and programmes on television like TeleNurse (22.3%).  
The least important sources of awareness are other forms of advertisement (1.8%), the Internet 
(1.8%) and information from siblings and cousins (0.9%). 
 
Table 4.17 shows respondents’ declared sources of awareness for the breastfeeding method 
of birth control.  Hospitals, clinics or health posts (55.0%) are considered the most popular 
source of information about this birth control method by the respondents. The other five 
highest important sources of awareness for the breastfeeding method of birth control are sex 
education in schools and colleges (18.3%), advertisement through television (15.0%), 
information from peers and friends (15.0%), advertisement through radio (10.0%) and 
information obtained from parents, carers and older relatives (10.0%). The least important 
sources of awareness information concerning this birth control method are advertisements 
through print media (3.3%), religious-based counselling and educational advice from churches 
or mosques (3.3%), information from siblings and cousins (3.3%), other forms of advertisement 
(1.7%) and information from non-religious community organisations (1.7%). 
 
 
 
 
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Table 4.16: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the use of 
female condom method of birth control based on frequency analysis. 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Advertisement through television 47.3% 1 
2 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 42.9% 2 
3 Information from peers and friends 31.3% 3 
4 Sex education in schools and colleges 30.4% 4 
5 Advertisement through radio 29.5% 5 
6 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 22.3% 6 
7 Programmes on radio  17.9% 7 
8 Books and video products 12.5% 8 
9 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
6.3% 9 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
6.3% 9 
11 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
2.7% 11 
12 Advertisement through print media 2.7% 11 
13 Articles in print media 2.7% 11 
14 Other forms of advertisement 1.8% 14 
15 Internet 1.8% 14 
16 Information from siblings and cousins 0.9% 16 
17 Other 0.9% 16 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
 
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Table 4.17: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for 
breastfeeding method of birth control based on frequency analysis.  
 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 55.0%  1 
2 Sex education in schools and colleges 18.3% 2 
3 Advertisement through television 15.0% 3 
4 Information from peers and friends 15.0% 3 
5 Advertisement through radio 10.0% 5 
6 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
10.0% 5 
7 Books and video products 6.7% 7 
8 Programmes on radio  6.7% 7 
9 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 6.7% 7 
10 Advertisement through print media 3.3% 10 
11 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
3.3% 10 
12 Information from siblings and cousins 3.3% 12 
13 Other forms of advertisement 1.7% 13 
14 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
1.7% 13 
15 Articles in print media 0.0% 15 
16 Internet 0.0% 15 
17 Other 0.0% 15 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
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The sources of awareness of information concerning the foaming tablet method of birth 
control are reported in Table 4.18. For this method, hospitals, clinics or health posts (38.5%) are 
the most popular source of awareness for this particular method of birth control.  The other five 
important sources of awareness are information from peers and friends (31.8%), advertisement 
through television (22.5%), sex education in schools and colleges (13.2%), advertisement 
through radio (11.9%) and books and video products (7.8%). The least important sources of 
awareness are other forms of advertisement (2.6%), information from non-religious community 
organisations (2.6%), religious-based counselling and educational advice from churches or 
mosques (1.3%), advertisement through print media (1.3%) and articles in print media (1.3%). 
 
Table 4.19 provides the respondents’ declared sources of awareness for the rhythm method 
of birth control analysis.  The most important source of awareness is information from peers 
and friends (51.3%). The other five important sources identified by respondents are sex 
education in schools and colleges recorded (30.7%), information from hospitals, clinics or 
health post (23.2%), books and video products (21.4%), advertisement through television 
(8.3%) and programmes on radio (5.6%). The least sources of awareness acknowledged by the 
respondents are advertisement through print media (1.8%), religious-based counselling and 
educational advice from churches or mosques (1.8%), information from siblings and cousins 
(1.8%), articles in the print media as well as other forms of advertisement (0.9%).  
 
 
 
 
 
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Table 4.18: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the foaming 
tablet method of birth control based on frequency analysis. 
 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 38.5% 1 
2 Information from peers and friends 31.8% 2 
3 Advertisement through television 22.5% 3 
4 Sex education in schools and colleges 13.2% 4 
5 Advertisement through radio 11.9% 5 
6 Books and video products 7.8% 6 
7 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 6.6% 7 
8 Programmes on radio  4.0% 8 
9 Other forms of advertisement 2.6% 9 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
2.6% 9 
11 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
1.3% 11 
12 Advertisement through print media 1.3% 11 
13 Articles in print media 1.3% 11 
14 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
0.0% 14 
15 Information from siblings and cousins 0.0% 14 
16 Internet 0.0% 14 
17 Other 0.0% 14 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
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Table 4.19: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the rhythm 
method of birth control based on frequency analysis. 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Information from peers and friends 51.3% 1 
2 Sex education in schools and colleges 30.7% 2 
3 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 23.2% 3 
4 Books and video products 21.4% 4 
5 Advertisement through television 8.3% 5 
6 Programmes on radio  5.6% 6 
7 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
4.6% 7 
8 Advertisement through radio 3.6% 8 
9 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 3.6% 8 
10 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
2.8% 10 
11 Internet 2.7% 11 
12 Advertisement through print media 1.8% 12 
13 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
1.8% 12 
14 Information from siblings and cousins 1.8% 12 
15 Articles in print media 0.9% 15 
16 Other forms of advertisement 0.9% 15 
17  Other 0.0% 17 
 
Note: 
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
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The sources of awareness information about withdrawal before ejaculation method are 
reported in Table 4.20. Information from peers and friends (69.6%) is ranked the most 
important source of awareness for this method. The other five important sources of awareness 
are sex education in schools and colleges (18.5%), hospitals, clinics or health post (7.7%), 
programmes on television such as Tele Nurse (7.7%), programmes on radio (6.6%) and 
advertisement through television (4.4%). The least important sources are advertisements 
through the print media (1.1%), other forms of advertisement (1.1%), religious-based 
counselling and educational advice from churches or mosques (1.1%), information from non-
religious community organisations and articles in the print media (1.1%). 
 
As reported in Table 4.21, the traditional method of birth control based on planned 
abstinence has been made known to the respondents through a variety of sources. The most 
important of these sources is through information from peers and friends (53.7%). The next 
five important sources identified by the respondents are information obtained from parents 
and carers (35.9%), hospitals, clinics or health posts (18.0%), information from siblings and 
cousins (12.6%), advertisement through television (7.2%) and sex education in schools and 
colleges (5.4%). The least important sources of awareness are advertisement through the print 
media (1.8%), religious based counselling and educational advice from churches or mosques 
(1.8%), information from non- religious community organisations (1.8%), the Internet (1.8%) 
and articles in the print media (1.8%). It is surprising that hospitals, clinics and health posts, 
which are the institutional sources of health care, are not important sources of information 
and awareness of the traditional method of birth control based on planned abstinence. This 
finding suggests the need for the Ghana Health Service to encourage and advice their staff to 
provide more information about this method to potential clients. 
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Table 4.20: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the 
withdrawal before ejaculation method of birth control based on frequency analysis. 
 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Information from peers and friends 69.6% 1 
2 Sex education in schools and colleges 18.5% 2 
3 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 7.7% 3 
4 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 7.7% 3 
5 Programmes on radio  6.6% 5 
6 Advertisement through television 4.4% 6 
7 Books and video products 4.4% 6 
8 Advertisement through radio 3.3% 8 
9 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
3.3% 8 
10 Internet 2.2% 10 
11 Others 2.2% 10 
12 Information from siblings and cousins 2.2% 10 
13 Advertisement through print media 1.1% 13 
14 Other forms of advertisement 1.1% 13 
15 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
1.1% 13 
16 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
1.1% 13 
17 Articles in print media 1.1% 13 
Note:  
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
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Table 4.21: Respondents’ declared sources of awareness or information for the 
traditional method of birth control based on planned abstinence with the woman staying 
away from partner based on frequency analysis. 
No. Source of awareness or information  
 
Proportion of respondents 
who expressed this item as 
source    
Rank 
1 Information from peers and friends 53.7% 1 
2 Information obtained from parents, carers and older 
relatives 
35.9% 2 
3 Hospitals, clinics or health posts 18.0% 3 
4 Information from siblings and cousins 12.6% 4 
5 Advertisement through television 7.2% 5 
6 Sex education in schools and colleges 5.4% 6 
7 Books and video products 5.4% 6 
8 Advertisement through radio 3.6% 8 
9 Other forms of advertisement 3.6% 8 
10 Programmes on radio  3.6% 8 
11 Programmes on television like Tele Nurse 3.6% 8 
12 Advertisement through print media 1.8% 12 
13 Religious-based counselling and educational advice 
from churches or mosques 
1.8% 12 
14 Information from non-religious community 
organisations 
1.8% 12 
15 Articles in print media 1.8% 12 
16 Internet 1.8% 12 
17 Others 1.8% 12 
Note:  
Respondents indicated several sources of awareness and information simultaneously. 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
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4.4: Factors Influencing the Level of Awareness of Birth Control Methods 
A multiple regression analysis was undertaken to determine socio-economic characteristics of 
respondents that significantly influenced the level and degree of awareness of the 17 major 
birth control methods identified in the study. These 17 major birth control methods are as 
follows: (1) Male condom (2) Illegal abortion (3) Female condom (4) Injectable medicine 
(5) Rhythm or Calendar (6) Female pill (7) Legal abortion (8) Withdrawal before ejaculation 
(9) Implant (10) Emergency contraception (11) Female sterilization     (12) Traditional herbs 
(13) Intra Uterine Device (IUD) (14) Foaming tablet (15) Men taking drugs to prevent 
pregnancy (16) Male sterilization and (17) Breastfeeding.  
 
The model for the study was as follows: 
AWARENESS INDEX = Co + C1 EDUCATION + C2 AGE + C3 CHILDREN + Wi 
Where AWARENESS INDEX was the dependent variable and was measured by the average 
score of awareness on the Likert 0 to 5 scaling index for all the major 17 birth control 
methods declared by each respondent; 
AGE was the age of the respondent in years; 
EDUCATION was the level of educational achievement of the respondent with a 
value of 1 denoting no schooling, 2 for completion of primary school, 3 for 
completion of junior school, 4 some senior high school, 5 completed senior high school, 6 
technical college/school, 7 higher national diploma (HND), 8 diploma, 9 bachelor degree and 
10 post graduate qualification; 
 
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CHILDREN was a dummy variable with 1 representing having one or more children and 
zero representing being childless at the time of the survey; and Wi was the error term 
assumed to have a zero mean and constant variance. 
 
Table 4.22 reports the results of multiple regression analysis of factors influencing the degree 
of awareness of the 17 major birth control methods identified in the study. The overall power 
of the model as measured by the 20.4% R2 and the 18.2% adjusted R2 was strong based on its 
statistical significance at the 0.000 level. The variance inflation factor of all the independent 
variables were very low and this result showed the relative absence of the problem of 
multicollinearity. The analysis showed that the educational level and the age of the 
respondent and having one or more children significantly influenced the level of awareness of 
information. 
 
This results of the study is consistent with Arbab et al. (2011) who also found that age and 
education are positively associated with the awareness of birth control methods. Further, this 
study also showed that women who had children increased their likelihood of gaining more 
access to information about birth control methods as compared to women who were childless. 
This particular result coupled with other two findings related to age and education suggested 
that relatively low level of awareness of birth control methods existed among younger, less 
educated women without children. Hence policy actions need to be directed at this group of 
younger yet less educated women without children to improve their awareness of birth 
control methods and their possible usage. 
 
 
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Table 4.22: Results of the multiple regression analysis of factors influencing the level of 
awareness of birth control methods in general. 
 
Dependent variable is the average score of awareness of 17 identified major birth 
control methods based on a scoring index from 0.0 to 5.0 for each respondent. 
 
Explanatory Variable 
 
Parameter  
Estimate 
Student  t 
value 
Probability 
level of 
significance 
Variance 
Inflation 
Factor 
CONSTANT 2.378 7.730 0.000* 0.000 
AGE 0.028 2.605 0.010* 1.519 
EDUCATION 0.076 2.319 0.022* 1.020 
CHILDREN 0.370 1.943 0.055* 1.540 
Notes: 
 
The sample size used for this analysis was 112. 
R2 was 0.204 and adjusted R2 was 0.182 and was statistically significant at the 0.000 
level. 
*Parameter was statistically significant at the 10% confidence level used for the study. 
 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
 
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CHAPTER FIVE 
RESULTS OF ANALYSIS DEALING WITH 
USE AND ADOPTION OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS 
5.1: Overview of the Use of Birth Control Methods by Respondents 
Exactly one-third of the respondents (40 out of 120) indicated that they had never used any of 
the 17 recognized birth control methods identified in this study involving sexual intercourse 
with a partner (see Figure 1). The other two-thirds (67%) of respondents (80 respondents) had 
used one or more of the 17 birth control methods either in the past or during the time of the 
survey involving sex with a partner. Out of the 80 respondents who had ever used a birth 
control method, 32 (40%) were using a birth control method for the first time during the 
previous one year preceding the survey.  
 
It is important to report that four more women were using a birth control method at the time 
of the survey but were not involved in sex with a partner. Hence these four women were 
taking preventive action with the possibility of avoiding pregnancy in the case of a future 
sexual intercourse encounter. Thus in reality 84 people had ever used the birth control 
methods. 
 
Fourteen (14) out of the 80 ever-used respondents (17%) were identified as people who had 
used a birth control method in the past meaning more than one year preceding the survey but 
were not actively using any birth control at the time of the survey (within one year of the 
survey). The remaining 34(43%) were current users of one or more birth control methods as 
shown in Figure 5.2. The results showed that the majority of the respondents had used birth 
control methods in their lives.  
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Figure 5.1: Ever Use of Birth Control Methods 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014 
 
Figure 5.2: Proportion of Current Users, Past Users Less Than One Year and Past 
Users Equal or Greater Than One Year. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014 
33%
40
67%
80
Ever use of birth control methods
No
Yes
40%
32
17%
14
43%
34
Time period of use of birth control method
past users < one year
past users > one year
current users
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5.2: Types and Intensity of Use of Birth Control Methods by Respondents 
Table 5.1 provides evidence of the popularity of specific birth control methods, based on the 
proportions of users of birth control methods, who were using a particular birth control 
method at a given time period. From Table 5.1, during the time of the survey, the largest 
proportion of respondents who were using birth control methods, used the rhythm/calendar 
method (36.5%). The second most popular specific birth control method was the withdrawal 
method (34.1%) followed by the dual protection with the male condom (18.1%). It is 
important to note that at the time of the survey only 3.6% of birth control product users 
actually used the female condom, which was relatively small compared to the usage of the 
male condom.  Several birth control methods were not used at all at the time of the survey by 
respondents. These were female sterilisation, illegal abortion and traditional birth control 
method based on planned abstinence from partner just after birth. 
 
Considering the usage of birth control methods within the previous 12 months preceding 
the survey, withdrawal before ejaculation was the most popular birth control method with 
7.2% of respondents using that method. The next commonest method was the 
rhythm/calendar method used by 6.0% of respondents. Three other birth control methods 
worth mentioning in terms of their popularity over this period were dual protection with male 
condom (3.6%), female pill (3.6%) and emergency contraception (2.4%). As much as eight 
birth control methods were not used in the previous 12 months before the survey. These were 
IUD, Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), implant, female sterilisation, foaming tablet, 
traditional herbs, legal abortion and traditional birth control method based on planned 
abstinence from partner just after birth. 
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For users of birth control methods in the past, meaning more than one year preceding the 
survey, the most popular was the dual protection with male condom with 30.5% of ever users 
of birth control methods using this product. Illegal abortion (18.1%), female pill (17.1%), 
withdrawal method before ejaculation (11.1%) and the rhythm method (10.8%) were the 
other popular methods used in the period of more than one year before the survey. IUD, 
implant, female sterilisation and legal abortion had never been used by any of the respondents 
over that time period. 
 
Within the three different dimensions of time periods, it is clear from Table 5.1 that the 
barriers and natural methods, specifically rhythm/calendar method, withdrawal before 
ejaculation method and the dual protection method were the most popular birth control 
methods. Users commented that these methods were easy to use and did not interfere much 
with the body and its biological processes. Further, these methods often did not require the 
assistance of specialists to use them. In addition, the male condom provided security and 
protection against diseases especially for relationships involving partners not known over a 
long period of time. Invasive methods such as IUD and implants are known to have long-term 
complications even they tend to have much higher contraceptive impact. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table 5.1: Popularity of specific birth control methods over various time periods based 
on the proportions of users of birth control methods using a particular method based on 
the 84 respondents who had ever used a birth control method. 
Birth Control Method At the time of 
the survey in 
year 2014 (%). 
Within the 12 
months preceding 
the survey (%). 
In the past meaning more 
than one year preceding 
the survey (%). 
Dual protection with the 
use of the male condom 18.1 3.6 30.5 
Female pill 3.6 3.6 17.1 
Injectable Method 
8.3 1.2 8.5 
Female Condom 3.6 1.2 2.4 
IUD/Coil/Diaphragm 2.4 0.0 0.0 
Lactational 
Amenorrhea Method 7.2 0.0 4.8 
Implant 4.8 0.0 0.0 
Tubal Ligation/ Female 
Sterilisation 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Emergency 
Contraception 4.8 2.4 6.0 
Foaming Tablet 1.2 0.0 4.8 
Rhythm or calendar 
method 36.5 6.0 10.8 
Traditional herbs 1.2 0.0 2.4 
Legal abortion 1.2 0.0 0.0 
Illegal abortion 0.0 1.2 18.1 
Traditional birth control 
based on planned 
abstinence after birth 
0.0 0.0 2.4 
Withdrawal method 
before ejaculation 34.1 7.2 11.1 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
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5.3: Attributes Influencing Choice and Use of Birth Control Methods 
5.3.1: Introduction 
As indicated in Chapters 1 and 4, the 17 birth control methods were divided into three main 
groups. The first group of contraceptive methods which have long-term acting effects are (1) 
IUD (2) implants (3) male sterilisation (4) female sterilisation (5) legal abortion and (6) 
illegal abortion. The second group consists of methods which involve minimal invasive 
procedures into the human body and are largely hormonal in nature. This group is made up of 
the following: (7) injectable medicine (8) female pill, (9) emergency contraceptive (10) 
traditional herbs and (11) men taking hormonal and related medicine to prevent pregnancy.  
 
The third and last group are barriers and natural methods. This group consists of the 
following: (12) male condom (13) female condom (14) withdrawal before ejaculation method 
(15) rhythm or calendar method (16) foaming tablets (17) traditional birth control method 
based on planned abstinence of the woman from husband or partner for a few months (18) 
breastfeeding method and (19) women taking alcohol after sexual intercourse to prevent 
pregnancy. 
 
The analysis and discussion of the attributes influencing the choice and use of birth control 
methods are reported based on the three groups. The attributes discussed in this section 
include aaffordability and price, aavailability of product locally, low travel costs to pharmacy 
or clinic, access to adequate information about product, ease of inserting item into body, 
comfort in having item inside body, reliability in preventing pregnancy, safety in terms of 
minimal side effects, acceptance by male partner or spouse, peer influence and confidentiality 
and no embarrassment to either male or female partner in procuring the product. 
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5.3.2: Attributes Influencing the Choice of Invasive Birth Control Methods with Long-
Term Acting Effects 
 
Out of the six invasive birth control methods with long-term acting effects, only two had never 
been used by any of the 120 respondents. These two were male and female sterilisation 
methods. This section of the report discusses the four invasive methods that had been used by 
some respondents. These are (1) IUD, (2) implants, (3) legal abortion and (4) illegal abortion. 
 
Table 5.2 reports the average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
IUD as a birth control method for those respondents who had ever used this method. Only two 
of the 120 respondents had ever used IUD. The clear message from these two respondents 
emanating from Table 5.2 is that the most important attributes for their choice of this birth 
control method are affordability and price, low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic, access to 
adequate information about product, confidentiality and no embarrassment, comfort in having 
item inside body, reliability in preventing pregnancy, acceptance by male partner or spouse. 
These attributes were given the maximum importance score of 5.0. Safety in terms of 
minimal side effects was recognised as highly important attribute with a score of 4.0. Two 
attributes – peer influence and ease of inserting item into body – were regarded as of very 
low importance in terms of choice of the birth control method. 
 
The importance of various attributes in the choice of implant as a birth control method for those 
respondents who had ever used this method is summarised in Table 5.3. Only four of the 120 
respondents had ever used implant. The most important attributes influencing the choice of 
implant as birth control method as revealed in Table 5.3 by the four users are comfort in having 
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item inside the body, reliability in preventing pregnancy, availability of product locally, low 
travel cost to pharmacy to clinic to access item and access to adequate information about the 
product. These five attributes had exactly the maximum importance score of 5.0. The next 
two most important attributes both with average score of 4.75 are safety in terms of minimal 
side effects and confidentiality and no embarrassment in procuring the product. Ease of 
inserting item into body and affordability and price were regarded as highly important with 
average score of 4.0 each. Peer influence was the least important attribute with a score of 3.0. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table 5.2: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
IUD as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
1 Affordability and price 
 
2 5.00 0.000 0.000 
2 Availability of product locally 
 
2 5.00 0.000 0.000 
3 Low travel costs to pharmacy or 
clinic 
2 5.00 0.000 0.000 
4 Access to adequate information 
about product 
2 5.00 0.000 0.000 
5 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
2 5.00 0.000 0.000 
6 Comfort in having item inside 
body 
2 5.00 0.000 0.000 
7 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
2 5.00 0.000 0.000 
8 Acceptance by male partner or 
spouse 
2 5.00 0.000 0.000 
9 Safety in terms of minimal side 
effects 
2 4.00 0.000 0.000 
10 Peer influence  
 
2 1.00 0.000 0.000 
11 Ease of inserting item into body 
 
2 1.00 0.000 0.000 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance.   
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
  
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Table 5.3: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
implant as a birth control method. 
 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation of 
score 
 
Coefficient 
of Variation 
1 Comfort in having item 
inside body 
4 5.00 0.000 0.000 
2 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
4 5.00 0.000 0.000 
3 Availability of product 
locally 
4 5.00 0.000 0.000 
4 Low travel costs to 
pharmacy or clinic 
4 5.00 0.000 0.000 
5 Access to adequate 
information about product 
4 5.00 0.000 0.000 
6 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
4 4.75 0.500 0.105 
7 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
4 4.75 0.500 0.105 
8 Ease of inserting item into 
body 
4 4.00 2.000 0.500 
9 Affordability and price 
 
4 4.00 2.000 0.500 
10 Acceptance by male 
partner or spouse 
4 3.00 2.309 0.770 
11 Peer influence  
 
3 2.67 2.082 0.780 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance",        
3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
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Table 5.4 provides the average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
legal abortion as a birth control method. Legal abortion was used by only one respondent. She 
indicated the availability of product locally, low travel costs to clinic, access to adequate 
information about product and reliability in removing pregnancy as the most important attributes 
for choice of this method based on the maximum score of 5.0. The next most important 
attributes influencing the choice of this method by this woman were confidentiality (score of 
4.0) and safety in terms of minimal side effects (score of 3.0). Affordability and price were 
considered to be relatively low attribute for this product suggesting the relatively high cost of 
legal abortion based on the importance score of 2.0. The least important attributes, influencing 
the choice of legal abortion with the lowest possible scores of 1.0, were acceptance by male 
partner and peer influence. This suggested that this woman chose to have the legal abortion as an 
independent decision with little influence from the male partner and peers. 
 
The importance of various attributes in the choice of illegal abortion as a birth control method 
for those respondents who had ever used this method is summarised in Table 5.5. The most 
important attribute was reliability in removing or ending pregnancy with an average score of 
4.61 declared by the 18 respondents who had ever used method. The other important attributes e 
were access to adequate information about product (score of 4.39), confidentiality (average score 
of 4.00), acceptance by male partner (score of 3.89), safety in terms of minimal impact (score of 
3.83) and availability of service locally (score of 3.56). The lowly important attributes were 
comfort in having item inside body, peer influence, low travel costs to clinic and ease of 
inserting items inside the body. These four attributes all had scores of less than 3.0. The least 
important attribute with a very low score of 1.89 was affordability and price. This suggested that 
the women who used service did not care about the cost but just wanted to end the pregnancy.  
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Table 5.4: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
legal abortion as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute 
 
No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation of 
score 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
 
1 Availability of product 
locally 
1 5.00 0.000 0.000 
2 Low travel costs to 
pharmacy or clinic 
1 5.00 0.000 0.000 
3 Access to adequate 
information about product 
1 5.00 0.000 0.000 
4 Reliability in ending 
pregnancy 
1 5.00 0.000 0.000 
5 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
1 4.00 0.000 0.000 
6 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
1 3.00 0.000 0.000 
7 Affordability and price 
 
1 2.00 0.000 0.000 
8 Comfort in having item 
inside body 
1 2.00 0.000 0.000 
9 Ease of inserting item into 
body 
1 1.00 0.000 0.000 
10 Acceptance by male partner 
or spouse 
1 1.00 0.000 0.000 
11 Peer influence  
1 
1.00 
 
0.000 0.000 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
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Table 5.5: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
illegal abortion as a birth control method.  
No. Attribute 
 
No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
1 Reliability in ending pregnancy 
 
18 4.61 1.145 0.248 
2 Access to adequate information 
about product 
18 4.39 1.335 0.304 
3 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
18 4.00 1.715 0.429 
4 Acceptance by male partner or 
spouse 
18 3.89 1.844 0.474 
5 Safety in terms of minimal side 
effects 
18 3.83 1.757 0.459 
6 Availability of product locally 
 
18 3.56 1.688 0.474 
7 Comfort in having item inside body 
 
17 2.53 1.940 0.767 
8 Peer influence  
 
18 2.50 1.948 0.779 
9 Low travel costs to pharmacy or 
clinic 
17 2.47 1.940 0.785 
10 Ease of inserting item into body 
 
15 2.13 1.807 0.848 
11 Affordability and price 
 
18 1.89 1.711 0.905 
Note: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
 
 
 
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5.3.3: Attributes Influencing the Choice of Hormonal Methods of Birth Control with 
Medium-term Contraceptive Impact 
 
Table 5.6 provides the attributes influencing the choice of female pill as a method of birth 
control based on average scoring using the Likert 1 to 5 scoring scale. Access to adequate 
information about the product was ranked the highest attribute (4.94). The other attributes 
that are ranked highly are reliability in preventing pregnancy (4.75), ease of inserting item 
into body (4.69), low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic (4.67), availability of product locally 
(4.61), comfort in having item inside body (4.57) and confidentiality and no embarrassment 
(4.19). The attributes which were ranked of medium importance are safety in terms of 
minimal side effects (3.72), affordability and price (3.56), and acceptance by male partner or 
spouse (3.00). Peer influence was the lowest ranked attribute for the choice of female pill.  
 
For the injectable medicine method, as indicated in Table 5.7, the most important attributes 
influencing using this method based on the Likert scoring index are access to adequate 
information about the product (4.69), availability of the product locally (4.69), and reliability 
in preventing pregnancy (4.69). The other important attributes were low travel cost to the clinic 
(4.56), confidentiality and no embarrassment (average score of 4.53), ease of inserting item into 
body (4.40), safety in terms of minimal impact (4.19) and acceptance by male partner (score of 
4.19), The least important attributes were comfort in having item inside body (3.93), 
affordability and price (3.33) and peer influence (2.31). 
 
 
 
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Table 5.6: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
female pill as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
Coefficient 
of Variation 
1 Access to adequate 
information about product 
17 4.94 0.243 0.049 
2 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
20 4.75 0.786 0.165 
3 Ease of inserting item into 
body 
13 4.69 1.109 0.236 
4 Low travel costs to pharmacy 
or clinic 
18 4.67 0.840 0.180 
5 Availability of product locally 
 
18 4.61 0.778 0.169 
6 Comfort in having item inside 
body 
14 4.57 1.158 0.253 
7 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
16 4.19 1.601 0.382 
8 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
18 3.72 1.406 0.378 
9 Affordability and price 
 
18 3.56 1.886 0.530 
10 Acceptance by male partner 
or spouse 
17 3.00 1.904 0.635 
11 Peer influence  
 
17 2.53 1.841 0.728 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
 
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Table 5.7: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
injectable medicine as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
1 Access to adequate 
information about product 
16 4.69 
0.793 0.169 
2 Availability of product locally 
 
16 4.69 
1.014 0.216 
3 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
16 4.69 
1.014 0.216 
4 Low travel costs to pharmacy 
or clinic 
16 4.56 
1.094 0.240 
5 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
17 4.53 
0.943 0.208 
6 Ease of inserting item into 
body 
15 4.40 
1.183 0.269 
7 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
16 4.19 
1.424 0.340 
8 Acceptance by male partner 
or spouse 
16 4.19 
1.601 0.382 
9 Comfort in having item inside 
body 
15 3.93 
1.710 0.435 
10 Affordability and price 
 
15 3.33 
1.839 0.552 
11 Peer influence  
 
16 2.31 
1.621 0.702 
 
Note: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
 
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Table 5.8 reports the average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
emergency contraception as a birth control method for those respondents who had ever used 
this method. The most important attributes for their choice of this birth control method areaccess 
to adequate information about product (4.92), ease of inserting item into body (4.64), low 
travel costs to pharmacy or clinic (4.50), affordability and price (4.42), confidentiality and no 
embarrassment (4.33), safety in terms of side effects minimal side effects (4.25) and comfort 
in having item inside body (4.17). On the other hand, acceptance by male partner or spouse 
(3.77) and peer influence (2.33) were regarded as the lowest-valued attributes of importance 
even though they could be considered to be of moderate importance. 
  
The importance of various attributes in influencing the choice of the traditional herbs as a birth 
control method is discussed in Table 5.9. Ease of inserting item into body is ranked it as the 
highest-valued attribute with the maximum average score of 5.0. The other important 
attributes preferred by the users of this method are access to adequate information about 
product (4.67), availability of product locally (4.67) and low travel costs to pharmacy or 
clinic (4.00). Those attributes of moderate importance are affordability and price (3.75), 
reliability in preventing pregnancy (3.67), safety in terms of minimal side effects (3.33), peer 
influence (3.33), confidentiality and no embarrassment (3.00) and comfort in having item 
inside body (3.00). The lowest-valued attribute is acceptance by male partner or spouse with 
a very low score of 1.33. 
 
 
 
 
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Table 5.8: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
emergency contraception as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
1 Reliability in preventing pregnancy 
13 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
2 Access to adequate information 
about product 13 4.92 0.277 
0.056 
3 Ease of inserting item into body 
11 4.64 0.924 
0.199 
4 Low travel costs to pharmacy or 
clinic 
12 4.50 1.243 
0.276 
5 Availability of product locally 
13 4.46 1.198 
0.269 
6 Affordability and price 
12 4.42 1.379 
0.312 
7 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
12 4.33 1.073 
0.248 
8 Safety in terms of minimal side 
effects 
12 4.25 1.422 
0.335 
9 Comfort in having item inside body 
12 4.17 1.528 
0.366 
10 Acceptance by male partner or 
spouse 
13 3.77 1.691 
0.449 
11 Peer influence  
12 2.33 1.775 
0.762 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
 
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Table 5.9: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
traditional herbs as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation of 
score 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
 
1 Ease of inserting item into 
body 
1 5.00 0.000 
 
0.000      
2 Access to adequate 
information about product 
3 4.67 0.577 
0.124 
3 Availability of product 
locally 
3 4.67 0.577 
0.124 
4 Low travel costs to 
pharmacy or clinic 
2 4.00 1.414 
0.354 
5 Affordability and price 
4 3.75 1.893 
0.505 
6 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
3 3.67 2.309 
0.629 
7 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
3 3.33 1.528 
0.459 
8 Peer influence  
 
3 3.33 2.082 
0.625 
9 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
3 3.00 2.000 
0.667 
10 Comfort in having item 
inside body 
2 3.00 2.828 
0.943 
11 Acceptance by male partner 
or spouse 
3 1.33 0.577 
0.434 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
  
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
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5.3.4: Attributes Influencing the Choice of Barriers and Natural Methods of Birth 
Control with Short-term Contraceptive Impact 
The effect of product attributes influencing the choice of various barriers and natural methods of 
birth control are briefly discussed in this section. For Table 5.10, the most important attribute 
influencing the use of dual protection with the male partner wearing condomsis access to 
adequate information about product (4.85). The other important highly-valued attributes are 
low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic (4.79), acceptance by male partner or spouse (4.75), 
ease of inserting item into body (4.74), reliability in preventing pregnancy (4.71), availability 
of product locally (4.70), confidentiality and no embarrassment (4.66), safety in terms of 
minimal side effects (4.54) and comfort in having item inside body (4.33). Affordability and 
price (3.30) and peer influence (2.30) are ranked lowly. 
 
Users of female condom indicate that peer influence and confidentiality and no embarrassment 
and reliability in preventing pregnancy are the three most important attributes influencing the 
choice of this method as reported in Table 5.11. The other important attributes influencing the 
choice of this method are the acceptance by male partner or spouse (4.50) and safety in terms 
of minimal side effects (4.00). The attributes that are of moderate importance are availability 
of product locally (3.75), low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic (3.75), access to adequate 
information about product (3.75), comfort in having item inside body (3.75), ease of inserting 
item into body (3.25) and affordability and price (3.00). 
  
  
  
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Table 5.10: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
the dual protection with male wearing condoms as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute  No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation of 
score 
 
Coefficient 
of Variation 
1 Access to adequate 
information about product 
47 4.85 0.625 
 
0.129 
2 Low travel costs to 
pharmacy or clinic 
47 4.79 0.778 
 
0.162 
3 Acceptance by male 
partner or spouse 
48 4.75 0.863 
0.182 
4 Ease of inserting item into 
body 
42 4.74 0.828 
0.175 
5 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
49 4.71 0.707 
0.150 
6 Availability of product 
locally 
47 4.70 0.998 
0.212 
7 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
44 4.66 1.0985 
0.236 
8 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
48 4.54 1.254 
0.276 
9 Comfort in having item 
inside body 
43 4.33 1.410 
0.326 
10 Affordability and price 
 
47 3.30 1.876 
0.568 
11 Peer influence  
 
47 2.30 1.829 
0.795 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
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Table 5.11: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
female condom as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation of 
score 
Coefficient 
of Variation 
1 Peer influence  
 
3 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
2 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
3 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
3 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
4 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
4 Acceptance by male partner 
or spouse 
4 4.50 1.000 
0.222 
5 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
4 4.00 2.000 
0.500 
6 Availability of product 
locally 
4 3.75 1.893 
0.505 
7 Low travel costs to 
pharmacy or clinic 
4 3.75 1.893 
0.505 
8 Access to adequate 
information about product 
4 3.75 1.893 
0.505 
9 Comfort in having item 
inside body 
4 3.75 1.893 
0.505 
10 Ease of inserting item into 
body 
4 3.25 2.062 
0.634 
11 Affordability and price 
 
4 3.00 2.309 
0.770 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
 
 
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The importance of various product attributes in influencing the choice of lactational 
amenorrhea, popularly known as the breastfeeding method are reported in Table 5.12 based 
on responses from 12 users. The four most important attributes influencing choice of this birth 
control method are safety in terms of minimal side effects (4.67), confidentiality and no 
embarrassment (4.25), reliability in preventing pregnancy (4.08) and acceptance by male 
partner or spouse (4.08). A moderately important attribute affecting choice isaffordability and 
price (3.00). The least important attribute is peer influence which is valued as 1.67.  
 
Table 5.13 provides information about the degree of importance of various attributes 
influencing the choice of foaming tablets as a birth control method. Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy is the highest-ranked attribute with the maximum score of 5.00. The other 
important attributes are access to adequate information about product (4.75), ease of inserting 
item into body (4.75), confidentiality and no embarrassment (4.75), availability of product 
locally (4.50), safety in terms of minimal side effects (4.50), low travel costs to pharmacy or 
clinic (4.25), comfort in having item inside body (4.25) and affordability and price (4.00). A 
moderately-important attribute is acceptance by male partner or spouse (3.50). The least 
important attribute is peer influence which had a value of 1.00, incidentally the lowest 
possible score on the Likert scaling index. 
 
  
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Table 5.12: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
lactational amenorrhoea/ breastfeeding as a birth control method. 
 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation of 
score 
Coefficient 
of Variation 
1 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
12 4.67 1.155 
0.247 
2 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
12 4.25 1.545 
0.364 
3 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
12 4.08 1.084 
0.266 
4 Acceptance by male partner 
or spouse 
12 4.08 1.676 
0.411 
5 Affordability and price 
 
8 3.00 2.138 
0.713 
6 Peer influence  
 
12 1.67 1.557 
0.932 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
 
  
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Table 5.13: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
foaming tablets as a birth control method. 
 
No. Attribute 
  
No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
 
Coefficient 
of Variation 
1 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
5 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
2 Access to adequate 
information about product 
4 4.75 0.500 
0.105 
3 Ease of inserting item into 
body 
4 4.75 0.500 
0.105 
4 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
4 4.75 0.500 
0.105 
5 Availability of product locally 
 
4 4.50 1.000 
0.222 
6 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
4 4.50 1.000 
0.222 
7 Low travel costs to pharmacy 
or clinic 
4 4.25 1.500 
0.353 
8 Comfort in having item inside 
body 
4 4.25 0.957 
0.225 
9 Affordability and price 
 
4 4.00 0.816 
0.204 
10 Acceptance by male partner 
or spouse 
4 3.50 1.915 
0.547 
11 Peer influence  
 
4 1.00 0.000 
0.000 
 
Notes: 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
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The importance of various attributes that influence the choice of the rhythm or calendar 
method, as a natural birth control method are reported in Table 5.14. The most important 
attributes are access to adequate information about product (4.95), confidentiality and no 
embarrassment (4.90), safety in terms of minimal side effects (4.73), acceptance by male 
partner or spouse (4.43) and reliability in preventing pregnancy (4.36). A moderately- 
important attribute indicated is affordability and price (3.97) while the least important attribute 
indicated is peer influence (2.33). 
 
In the Ghanaian society, a traditional method of birth control is planned abstinence after birth 
with the woman staying away from her partner for several months and re-joining him 
later. The importance of various attributes with regards to the choice of this method is reported 
in Table 5.15 by two respondents who have ever used this method. Six out of the seven 
attributes are valued by the two respondents with the maximum possible score of importance of 
5.00. These six attributes are affordability and price, access to adequate information about 
product, reliability in preventing pregnancy, safety in terms of minimal side effects, 
acceptance by male partner or spouse and confidentiality and no embarrassment all had a 
score of 5.00. The least important attribute is peer influence with a very low score of 1.00. 
 
With the withdrawal before ejaculation method, the most important attribute influencing its 
choice is access to adequate information about product (5.00). The other important attributes 
are safety in terms of minimal side effects (4.85), confidentiality and no embarrassment 
(4.84), acceptance by male partner or spouse (4.82), reliability in preventing pregnancy (4.66) 
and low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic (4.50). A moderately-important attribute for this 
method is affordability and price (3.72). The lowest valued attribute is peer influence (1.63). 
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Table 5.14: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
the rhythm or calendar method as a birth control method. 
No. Attribute No. Average score 
of importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
 
1 Access to adequate 
information about product 
40 4.95 0.221 0.045 
2 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
41 4.90 0.490 0.100 
3 Safety in terms of minimal 
side effects 
44 4.73 1.020 0.216 
4 Acceptance by male 
partner or spouse 
42 4.43 1.417 0.320 
5 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
45 4.36 1.246 0.286 
6 Affordability and price 
 
39 3.97 1.724 0.434 
7 Peer influence  
 
42 2.33 1.830 0.785 
 
Notes: 
 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
 
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Table 5.15: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence after birth with the woman 
staying away from the house for several months and re-joining her husband later as a 
birth control method. 
 
No. Attribute No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
 
1 Affordability and price 
 
2 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
2 Access to adequate information 
about product 
2 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
3 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
2 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
4 Safety in terms of minimal side 
effects 
2 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
5 Acceptance by male partner or 
spouse 
2 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
6 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
2 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
7 Peer influence  
 
2 1.00 0.000 
0.000 
 
Notes: 
 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
  
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Table 5.16: Average numerical ranking of the importance of attributes in the choice of 
withdrawal method as a birth control method. 
  
No. Attribute 
 
No. Average 
score of 
importance 
 Standard 
deviation 
of score 
Coefficient 
of 
Variation 
 
1 Access to adequate information 
about product 
24 5.00 0.000 
0.000 
2 Safety in terms of minimal side 
effects 
33 4.85 0.712 
0.147 
3 Confidentiality and no 
embarrassment 
32 4.84 0.723 
0.149 
4 Acceptance by male partner or 
spouse 
33 4.82 0.727 
0.151 
5 Reliability in preventing 
pregnancy 
32 4.66 0.827 
0.177 
6 Low travel costs to pharmacy or 
clinic 
2 4.50 0.707 
0.157 
7 Affordability and price 
 
29 3.72 1.869 
0.502 
8 Peer influence  
 
32 1.63 1.476 
0.906 
 
Notes: 
 
A score of 5 indicates "very high level of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is 
"moderately important", 2 is "low level of importance" and 1 "very low level of 
importance. 
 
Source: Derived from analysis on survey data, 2014. 
  
 
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5.4: Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Influencing Ever Use of Birth Control 
Methods 
A logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine socio-economic characteristics of 
respondents that significantly influenced the choice of householders using birth control 
methods. The logistic regression model for the study was as follows. 
CHOICE= ßo + ß1 CSEXRELA + ß2 AWAREBCM + ß3 CMARRY2040 + ß4 
CHILDREN + ß5 STUDENT + U; where 
CHOICE was a dummy variable with 1 representing householders who had ever used birth 
control methods involving sex with a partner and 0 otherwise; 
CSEXRELA was whether the respondent was actively having sexual relations with a regular 
partner or spouse at the time of the survey with 1 denoting a respondent having sexual 
relations with a regular partner or spouse and 0 otherwise; 
AWAREBCM was the degree of awareness of selected birth control methods based on the 
Likert scale with 5 representing the highest score of awareness (very high level of 
awareness), 1 very low level of awareness and zero denotes complete lack of awareness. 
CMARRY2040 was dummy variable for respondents who were currently married at the time 
of the survey or were in formal or consensual unions and were between the ages of 20 to 40 
years. This variable looked at married women who might be seeking to have children and 
would be less interested in using birth control methods. 
CHILDREN was a dummy variable with 1 representing having one or more children and 
zero representing being childless at the time of the survey; 
STUDENT was a dummy variable for respondents who were attending schools at the time of 
the survey and  
U was the error term assumed to have a zero mean and constant variance. 
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The results of the logistic regression analysis are reported in Table 5.17. The model 
performed well with correct percentage of about 80.5% of the observations. The degree of 
misclassification index was therefore 19.5%. Among the independent variables, current 
sexual relationship, awareness, currently married and number of children were all statistically 
significant at 10% with only the student variable not being statistically significant. The 
positive parameter of the variable, currently in relationship means that there is a positive 
relationship between currently in a sexual relationship and ever use of birth control methods, 
and also means that people who are currently in a sexual relationship are more likely to have 
ever used birth control methods as compared to those who are not in any current sexual 
relationship.  
 
Casterline et al. (2001), in their study on obstacles to contraceptive use in Pakistan, specified 
some major obstacles to contraceptive usage, of which knowledge and awareness were part. 
As more people increase their knowledge on birth control and become aware the more they 
are likely to use birth control methods. Rustagi et al. (2010) also support the findings of this 
study on the positive relationship between choice of birth control method and awareness. This 
is in contrast to a study by Fasina et al. (2011) on socioeconomic variables and contraceptive 
usage: implication for social marketing, which found that there is a positive relationship 
between current marriage status and choice of a birth control methods. However, the Abokobi 
study reported in this thesis confirmed a negative relationship between the likelihood of ever 
using contraceptives and women aged between 20 and 40 who were currently married. 
  
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Table 5.17: Results of the logistic regression analysis of woman’s use or non-use of birth 
control method based on whether she had ever used a recognized birth control method. 
 
Explanatory Variable 
 
Parameter  
Estimate(B) 
Student t value Probability level 
of significance 
CONSTANT -3.508 9.077 0.001* 
CSEXRELA 2.381 11.300 0.001* 
AWAREBCM 0.681 7.309 0.007* 
CMARRY2040 -2.014 5.094 0.024* 
CHILDREN 1.811 6.421 0.011* 
STUDENT -0.610 0.693 0.405 
 
Notes: 
Sample size was 120 
*Parameter was statistically significant at the 10% confidence level used for the study 
The proportion of correct classification of choice was 80.5%. 
 
Source: Derived from survey data, 2014. 
 
 
 
 
 
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CHAPTER SIX 
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMMENDATIONS 
6.1: Summary of the Study 
The objectives of this study were four-fold. These were to determine the extent of awareness 
of birth control methods, to establish the factors influencing the level of awareness of birth 
control methods, to ascertain the types and intensity of birth control methods and to establish 
the factors influencing the use and non-use of birth control methods by women aged 15 to 49 
years living at Abokobi, the capital town of the Ga East Municipality. 
 
All the four objectives were tackled using a scientific study based on a random sampling of 
120 women living in 101 houses at Abokobi Main Town. From the data obtained from the 
survey, the extent of awareness of birth control methods was established using a Likert-type 
scoring index. This index was based on a score of 5 representing very high level of 
awareness, 4 representing high level of awareness, 3 indicating moderate awareness, 2 
indicating low level of awareness, 1 representing very low level of awareness and 0 
indicating lack of awareness of the product. The second objective dealing with the 
establishment of factors influencing the level of awareness of birth control methods involved 
the use of multiple regression analysis. 
 
The types and intensity of birth control methods by householders at Abokobi were 
ascertained from the respondents based on a frequency analysis of users of various birth 
control methods at the time of the survey and in the past period preceding the survey. 
Logistic regression analysis was used to establish the factors influencing the likelihood of 
women using ever using birth control methods.  
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6.2: Results and Conclusions of the Study 
Among the 120 respondents interviewed, 46.7% of the respondents were in 15-25 years of 
age range while 34.2% were in the 26-37 years. About 19.2% of respondents were in 38-49 
years. All these respondents had diverse backgrounds in terms of their educational level, 
ethnic groups and other characteristics detailed in Chapter 4 of the study. A conceptual 
framework developed by the researcher was used to guide the analysis of the study. 
  
The results of the analysis indicated that all the 120 women respondents were aware of at 
least one birth control method. Altogether, 19 birth control methods were identified by the 
respondents as those that they were aware of. The study identified 17 major specific methods 
of birth control and two minor birth control methods used by respondents. The 17 major birth 
control methods are as follows: (1) Male condom, (2) Illegal abortion, (3) Female condom, 
(4) Injectable medicine, (5) Rhythm or Calendar method (6) Female pill (7) Legal abortion 
(8) Withdrawal before ejaculation method (9) Implant (10) Emergency contraception (11) 
Female sterilization (12) Traditional herbs (13) Intra Uterine Device (IUD) (14) Foaming 
tablet (15) Men taking drugs to prevent pregnancy (16) Male sterilization and (17) 
Breastfeeding method.  
 
The two minor ones are (18) Traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence of 
the woman from husband or partner for a few months and (19) Taking alcohol after sexual 
intercourse by the woman. The 17 major methods are those that the vast majority of the 
respondents (over 90%; between 115 to 120 respondents) indicated some level of awareness. 
Traditional birth control method based on planned abstinence was indicated by 12 women 
while using alcohol after sexual intercourse was indicated by only three women respondents. 
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In terms of level or degree of awareness, the dual protection using male condom was the most 
familiar method of birth control followed by illegal abortion, female condom, injectable 
medicine, rhythm or calendar method, female pill and legal abortion.  
 
Respondents were also given the opportunity to state the sources through which they became 
aware of birth control methods. For the majority of the birth control methods, advertisement 
through television was the most popular method through which people received information. 
For long-term acting invasive methods of birth controls such as the tubal ligation and the 
implant that required the services of health personnel, hospitals, clinics and health posts were 
the primary points through which they accessed information on its use. Information on legal 
and illegal abortion were normally received from friends and peers. The multiple regression 
analysis confirmed that the age and educational attainment of the woman increased the level of 
awareness of birth control methods. Women who had children were also more aware of birth 
control methods than women without children.  
 
One-third of the respondents indicated that they had never used any of the 17 major birth 
control methods involving sexual intercourse with a partner. The other two-thirds had used 
one or more of the 17 birth control methods either in the past or during the time of the survey 
involving sex with a partner. The logistic regression revealed that being in a current sexual 
relationship, the level of awareness of birth control methods and having children increased the 
likelihood of women using birth control methods. Women who were currently married and were 
between the ages of 20 and 40 years were less likely to use birth control methods possibly 
suggesting their demand for children.  
 
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6.3: Recommendations 
Overall, the relatively low awareness of birth control methods exhibited by relatively younger, 
less educated women without children suggested the need of government and non-governmental 
organisations to establish and/or expand programmes related to sex education and family 
planning in junior and senior secondary schools, technical and vocational colleges in the country 
to minimise unwarranted pregnancies and thus control birth rates  
 
The Ga East Municipal Health Management Team which is responsible for all health service 
delivery in the entire municipality should step up their activities and increase the awareness 
campaigns on the use of contraceptives even though it is done in the hospitals. Community 
sensitization programmes should be persistently undertaken to clear misconceptions on birth 
control methods especially on the female condom. It is also recommended to social groups, 
churches and families to openly discuss issues of birth control. This can make individuals 
confident to ask questions and share ideas on birth control methods so that misconceptions 
that hinder further usage to be removed and ensure higher uptake of birth control methods. 
 
Finally, there is the need to improve the statuses of women. When the statuses of women are 
improved through education and empowerment they will have higher socio-economic 
statuses so that they can negotiate with their sexual partners to adopt birth control methods 
that they find convenient to use. They will also be able to follow the right procedures for 
using the product for maximum effectiveness. 
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Bernstein, S. and Hansen, C.J. (2006). Public Choices, Private Decisions: Sexual and 
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Nigerian Data, Population Studies, 33: 395-413.  
 
Casterline, J. B., Sathar, Z.A. and Haque, M. (2001). Obstacles to Contraceptive Use in 
Pakistan: A Study in Punjab, Studies in Family Planning. 32(2): 95-110. 
 
Cochrane, S.H. (1979). Fertility and Education: What Do We Really Know? Baltimore: Johns 
Hopkins University Press. 
 
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Darroch, J. E. (2013). Trends in Contraceptive Use, Contraception, 87:259–263. 
 
Darroch, J. E. and Singh, S. (2013). Trends in Contraceptive Need and Use in Developing 
Countries in 2003, 2008, 2012: An Analysis of National Surveys, Lancet, 381(17): 56-62. 
 
Duodo, M.O., Sarfo, E., Arhin, A., Frimpong, F.M., Zack, B. and Adusei, K.B. (1998). 
Effective and Equitable Distribution Management of Finance and Equipment, Kumasi: 
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. 
Dyson, T. and Moore, M. (1983). On Kinship Structure, Female Autonomy and Demographic 
Behaviour in India, Population and Development Review, 9: 35-60. 
 
Fasina, F. F., Ogunnaike, O. O. and Ogbari, M., (2011). Socio-Economic Variables and 
Contraceptive Usage: Implication for Social Marketing, International Journal of 
Management & Business Studies, 1(2): 21-24. 
 
Ga East Municipal Assembly Archives, accessed on 20 March 2014. 
 
Garson, D. (2008). Logistic Regression. http://faculty.chass.ncsu.edu/garson/PA765/ 
discrim.htm, page accessed on 18 February, 2014. 
 
Ghana Health Service (GHS) (2008). Questions and Answers on Long Acting and Permanent 
Family Planning Methods, Health Promotion Department and, Reproductive and Child 
Health Development, Accra: GHS. 
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Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) (2004). Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2003. 
Accra: GSS. 
 
Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) (2013a). 2010 Population and Housing Census: National 
Analytical Report. Accra: GSS. 
 
Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) (2013b). 2010 Population and Housing Census: Greater Accra 
Regional Analytical Report. Accra: GSS. 
 
Griffin, S. (2006). Literature Review on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: Universal 
Access to Services, Focusing on East and Southern Africa and South 
Asia, http://r4d.dfid.gov.uk/PDF/Outputs/SexReproRights_RPC/LitReview.pdf accessed on 
February 20, 2014. 
 
Health Policy Project (2012). Resource Requirements for Family Planning In Ghana. 
Accessed from http://www.healthpolicyinitiative.com/Publications/ Groups/group_33/ 33_ 
Ghana GAP brief_HPP_508.pdf on February 18, 2014. 
 
Hesse, S. (2007). Assessing Facility Readiness of Family Planning Services in Ghana. 
Atlanta: Emory University School of Public Health. 
 
Lessard, C. R., Hopkins M. R., (2011). Efficacy, Safety and Patient Acceptability of the 
Essure Procedure, Patient Acceptance and Adherence, 5:207-212. 
 
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Ministry of Health (2013). Holistic Assessment of the Health Sector Programme of Work 2012. 
GhanaVersion.http://www.moh-ghana.org/UploadFiles/Publications/2012%20Hol 
istic%20Assessment%20Report%20ofoe130715062103.pdf, accessed 5October, 2014. 
 
National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) (2003). Ghana Poverty Reduction 
Strategy (2003-2005), An Agenda For Growth And Prosperity, Volume I: Analysis and Policy 
Statement. Accra: NDPC. 
 
National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) (2006). Growth and Poverty 
Reduction Strategy (GPRS II).Accra: NDPC. 
 
National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) (2010). Medium-Term National 
Development Policy Framework: Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda 
(GSGDA), 2010-2013. Volume I: Policy Framework, Government of Ghana. Accra: NDPC. 
 
National Population Council Factsheet No.1 (2004). Population of Ghana: National 
Trends,http://www.npc.gov.gh/assets/Factsheet1_PopulationofGhana_nattrends.pdf 
 
Oliver, R. (1995). Contraceptive Use in Ghana: The Role of Service Availability, Quality, 
and Price. Washington: World Bank. 
 
Okech, T. C., Wawire, N. W. & Mburu, T. K. (2011). Contraceptive Use among Women of 
Reproductive Age in Kenya’s City Slums. International Journal of Business and Social 
Science Vol. 2 No. 1; pp.  22-43. 
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Opoku, B., & Kwaununu, F. (2011). Knowledge and Practices of Emergency Contraception 
among Ghanaian Women. African Journal of Reproductive Health. 15(2): 147-152. 
 
Oyedokun, A. O. (2007). Determinants of Contraceptive Usage: Lessons from Women in 
Osun State, Nigeria. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. Volume 1, Issue 2. Pp. 1-14. 
 
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (2012). A History of Birth Control Methods. New 
York: Planned Parenthood Federation of America. 
 
Pindyck, S., and Rubinfield, L. (1981). Econometric Models and Economic Forecasts, 
Second Edition. New York:McGraw-Hill. 
 
Rustagi, N., Taneja, D.K., Kaur, R. and Ingle, G.K. (2010). Factors Affecting Contraception 
Among Women in a Minority Community in Delhi, A Qualitative Study on Health and 
Population: Perspectives and Issues, 33 (1):10-15. 
 
Sanger, M. (1931). My Fight for Birth Control. New York: Maxwell Company.  
 
Smith, R. (2010). Contemporary Hysteroscopic Methods for Female Sterilisation, 
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics; 108: 79-84. 
 
Trussell, J. (2011). Contraceptive Failure in the United States. Contraception 83: 397-404. 
 
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Tsui, A.O. (1985). Community effects on contraceptive use. in Casterline J.B. (ed) The 
Collection and Analysis of Community Data. International Statistical Institute: Voorburg, 
Netherlands. 
 
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division (2011). 
World Contraceptive Use 2010. New York: United Nations. 
 
World Health Organization (WHO) (1971). United Nations Family Planning In Health 
Services: Report of a WHO Expert Committee 1970. 
http://Apps.Who.Int/Iris/Handle/10665/40917#Sthash.Shbn2ett.Dpuf, accessed on 25June, 
2014. 
 
World Health Organisation (WHO) (2012). Safe Abortion: Technical and Policy Guidance for 
Health Systems, Second Edition. Geneva: WHO. 
 
World Bank, (2004). A Review of Population, Reproductive Health, and Adolescent Health 
and Development in Poverty Reduction Strategies. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. 
 
Yamane, T. (1973). Statistics: An Introductory Analysis, 3rd Edition. New York: Harper and 
Row. 
  
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INTERNET REFERENCES CONSULTED DURING THE STUDY 
http://www.ghanadistricts.com/districts/?r=1&_=2&sa=6330,accessed on 1 February, 2014. 
 
http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/your-guide-
contraception#gZCRfmR8zd9FbAD1.99, accessed on 15 March, 2014. 
 
http://www.engenderhealth. org/our-work/family-planning/index.php, accessed on 15 March 
2014. 
 
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/iuds-work-best-emergency-
contraceptive/story?id=16305031,accessed on 15 March, 2014. 
 
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhythm-method/basics/definition/prc-20013489, 
accessed on 15 March, 2014. 
 
http://www.tundakehamilan.com/product_implan.html, accessed on 14 March, 2014. 
 
http://facweb.northseattle.edu/troot/HEA150/week9/wk9read1.htm, accessed on14March, 
2014. 
 
http://www.ghananewsagency.org/health/female-condom-makes-sex-feel-natural-65243 
accessed on 14 March, 2014. 
 
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http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/ss/slideshow-birth-control-optionsaccessed on 14 
March, 2014. 
 
http://www.aidsmap.com/Does-injectable-hormonal-contraception-increase-the-risk-of-HIV-
infection/page/2454435/accessed on 14 March, 2014. 
 
http://nydoctorsurgentcare.blogspot.com/2013/02/emergency-contraception-what-is-
it.htmlaccessed on 15 March, 2014. 
 
  
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APPENDICES 
APPENDIX 1: SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE STUDY 
 
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL FOR RESEARCH STUDY ONLY 
 
SURVEY OF AWARENESS AND USE OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS BY WOMEN 15 
TO 49 YEARS OLD AT ABOKOBI IN THE GA EAST MUNICIPALITY 
 
My name is Miss Joana Okailey Aku Okai, a student of the Institute of Statistical, Social and 
Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. My phone number is 0242-343 
089. I am currently undertaking a survey to assess the awareness and factors influencing the use of 
birth control methods by women 15- 49 years at Abokobi, Ga East Municipality.  
 
I would be pleased if you could kindly spare about 20 minutes of your time to answer the following 
questions in this survey which will be conducted in strict confidence and in person only. Please 
kindly help me to complete this questionnaire in order to allow me to finish the work required for 
my Master of Arts in Development Studies at ISSER. The questionnaires containing your answers 
will be destroyed upon the completion of this study in December 2014. Reponses to the questions 
will only be reported in aggregate without identifying any particular person. 
 
ADDRESS OF RESPONDENT (NAME NOT REQUIRED): 
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 
SURVEY CODE NUMBER: 
***************************************************************************** 
SECTION A:  GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING POPULATION AND 
BIRTH CONTRL METHODS IN GHANA AND THE MUNICIPALITY 
 
1. State the area where you currently live. 
 
2. Do you think that the growth of population in Ghana is having a serious problem on the 
development of the country?  Please indicate the seriousness of the problem. 
 5 – Extremely serious   4 – very serious    3 - moderately serious    2 - lowly serious     1 - 
not serious at all.  
 
3. Do you think that the growth of population in the Ga East District is having a serious 
problem on the development of the district?  Please indicate the level of seriousness of the 
problem. 
5 – Extremely serious   4 – very serious    3 - moderately serious    2 -  lowly serious     1 - 
not serious at all.  
 
4. How useful are birth control methods to reduce the growth of population in Ghana?  
Please indicate the level of usefulness. 
5 – Extremely useful   4 – very useful    3 - moderately useful    2 -  lowly useful     1 - not 
useful at all.  
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SECTION B:  AWARENESS OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS  
 
5. Please indicate in terms of importance your level of awareness or knowledge of the 
existence of the following birth control methods (involving having sex).  Please 
circle the number closely representing your opinion. A score of 5 is "very high level 
of awareness", 4 is "high level of awareness", 3 is "moderately aware", 2 is "low 
level of awareness" and 1 "very low level of awareness and 0 not aware at all"). 
 
      Degree and level of awareness 
 
Female pill     5          4           3            2          1       0 
 
Injectable medicine    5          4           3            2          1       0 
 
Female Condom    5          4           3            2          1       0 
 
Male Condom     5          4           3            2          1       0 
 
IUD/ Coil/ Diaphragm    5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Breastfeeding/ Lactational  
Amenorrhoea (LAM)                              5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Implant     5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Tubal ligation (Female sterilization)  5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Vasectomy (Male sterilization)  5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Emergency contraception    5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Foaming tablet     5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Rhythm or calendar method   5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Withdrawal before ejaculation   5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Traditional herbs    5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Legal abortion (pregnancy due to rape) 5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Illegal abortion     5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Men taking drugs to prevent pregnancy 5          4           3            2          1 0 
 
Others (please explain)   5          4           3            2          1 0 
  
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6. Indicate how you got to know about the various birth control methods? 
 
(1) Advertisement through television (2) Advertisement through radio (3) 
Advertisement through print media (4) Other forms of Advertisement (5) 
Hospitals, clinics or health posts (6) Sex education in schools and colleges (7) 
Religious-based counselling and educational advice from churches or mosques (8) 
Information from non-religious community organisations (9) Information 
obtained from parents, carers and older relatives (10) Information from siblings 
and cousins (11) Information from peers and friends (12) Books and video 
products (13) Articles in print media (14) Programmes on radio (15) Programmes 
on television like Tele Nurse (16) Internet (17) Others (specify) 
 
METHOD MEANS OF AWARENESS 
 
Dual protection( insistence on male partner 
using condom) 
 
Female Pill  
Injectable Medicine  
Female Condom  
IUD/Coil/ Diaphragm  
LAM (Lactational Amenorrhoea Method/ 
Breastfeeding period) 
 
Implant  
Female Sterilisation /Tubal Ligation  
Emergency Contraception  
Foaming Tablets   
Rhythm Method/ Calendar Method  
Traditional herbs  
Legal abortion  
Illegal Abortion  
Men taking drugs  
Withdrawal before ejaculation by males  
Traditional birth control based on planned 
abstinence for a few months after birth with 
the woman staying away from the spouse  
 
Combination of several methods  
 
 
 
SECTION C: USE OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS BY FEMALES 
 
7. Have you ever used any birth control methods (involving having sex with a partner).  
  Yes      No   
If you answered Yes proceed to Question 9.  
 
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8. If you answered No to Question 7, please provide reasons for this choice and proceed to 
Section D. 
 
 
9. Please indicate whether you have used any of the following birth control methods 
over the time period stated.   
    Current use  < 1 year  1 year or more 
Dual protection (male condom)  
 
Female pill 
 
Injectable medicine 
 
Female condom 
 
IUD/Coil/ Diaphragm 
 
LAM 
 
Implant 
 
Tubal ligation 
 
Emergency contraception 
 
Foaming tablet 
 
Rhythm or calendar method 
 
Traditional herbs 
 
Legal abortion 
 
Illegal abortion 
 
Combination of several methods 
 
Traditional birth control based on  
planned abstinence after birth 
 
Withdrawal Method 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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10.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED DUAL  
PROTECTION WITH MALE WEARING CONDOMS 
 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
 
11.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED FEMALE PILL 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
  
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other comments 
 
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12. FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED INJECTABLE MEDICINE 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic             5          4           3            2           1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
 
 
13.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED FEMALE CONDOM 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic             5          4           3            2          1        N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
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14. FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED IUD/DIAPHRAGM 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic             5          4           3            2           1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments  
 
 
15.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED LAM 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic             5          4           3            2           1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
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16.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED IMPLANT 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
 
17.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE USED FEMALE STERILISATION 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in terms of minimal side effects 5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
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18.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE USED EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
 
19.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE HAVE EVER USED FOAMING TABLETS 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.) 
   
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
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20. FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED RHYTHM OR CALENDAR 
METHOD 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
 
21.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED TRADITIONAL HERBS 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other comments 
 
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22.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED LEGAL ABORTION 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability in ending pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
 
 
 
23.  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED ILLEGAL ABORTION 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability ending pregnancy               5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
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24. FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED TRADITIONAL BIRTH 
CONTROL METHOD BASED ON PLANNED ABSTINENCE AFTER BIRTH 
WITH THE WOMAN STAYING AWAY FROM THE SPOUSE FOR SEVERAL 
MONTHS AND REJOINING HER HUSBAND LATER 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Other comments 
 
 
25. FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVER USED OTHER METHODS 
If you have ever used this birth control method then please indicate the importance of the 
following attributes that influenced your choice and use of the method.  Please circle the 
number most closely representing your opinion noting that a score of 5 is "very high level 
of importance", 4 is "high level of importance", 3 is "moderately important", 2 is "low 
level of importance" and 1 "very low level of importance.)   
 
Affordability and price   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Availability of product locally   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Low travel costs to pharmacy or clinic  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Access to adequate info about product  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Ease of inserting item into body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Comfort in having item inside body  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Reliability - prevention of pregnancy  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Safety in term of minimal side effects  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Acceptance by male partner or spouse  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Peer influence (close friends)   5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Confidentiality and no embarrassment  5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
Others       5          4           3            2          1       N/A 
 
Other comments 
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SECTION D: DETAILS OF USE OR NON-USE OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS 
26. DUAL PROTECTION (INSISTENCE ON PARTNER USING CONDOMS) 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
27. FEMALE PILL      
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
28. INJECTABLE MEDICINE 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
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29. FEMALE CONDOM 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
30. IUD/ COIL/ DIAPHRAGM      
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
31. LAM 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
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32. IMPLANT 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
33. TUBAL LIGATION OR STERILIZATION 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
34. EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
 
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35. FOAMING TABLETS 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
36. RHYTHM OR CALENDAR METHOD 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
37. TRADITIONAL HERBS 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
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38. LEGAL ABORTION 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
39. ILLEGAL ABORTION 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
  
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
40. COMBINATION OF SEVERAL BIRTH CONTROL METHODS 
If you have ever used this product where did you obtain it? 
 
If you are still currently using the product how much cost have you incurred over the last 12 
months or over the period of one year 
 
If you used the product and stopped give reasons 
 
If you have never used this product give reasons. 
 
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SECTION E: CURRENT USE OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS WITH PARTNERS 
41. Are you currently in a sexual relationship with your regular partner or spouse? 
 
Yes                         No 
42. Do you use birth control methods with your partner/spouse?   
 
 Yes                         No 
If yes indicate reasons 
If no indicate reasons 
43. Do you have sexual relationships currently with people other than your partner?  
Yes                         No 
If yes indicate reasons 
If no indicate reasons 
44. How often do you use birth control methods when having sex with your regular partner 
or spouse? 
 
45. How often do you use birth control methods when having sex with someone other than 
your regular partner or spouse? 
 
46.  Are birth control methods effective in preventing pregnancy? 
Yes       No 
SECTION F: SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS 
47. What is your age? _______________________________________ 
 
48. Status in the household 1) Household Head    2) Spouse but not household head        
3) Daughter         4) Daughter in-law            5) Parent in-law          6) Step- child        
             7) Adopted/ Foster Child             8) Visitor            9) Other(s) 
 
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49. Marital status: 1) Single  2) Married          (3) Divorced       4) Widowed
            5) Informal unions             6) Separated 
If single proceed to Question 59 
50.  If married, year of first marriage: __________ 
 
51. Your age at time of first marriage: ______________________________ 
 
52. This is your: (Please put a tick  according to your answer) 
 
 First marriage  Second marriage 
 Third marriage  Others  
 
For others please specify 
53. In your current marriage, how long have you been married? _________ month (s) /   
year(s). 
 
54.  In your previous marriage, how long were you married? ________ month (s) / 
year(s). 
 
55. How did you choose your partner for the current marriage?  
 By parents or relatives alone (i.e. arranged without consent) 
 Parents or relatives with your consent (i.e. arranged with consent) 
 Your choice with consent of parents (i.e. own choice with parents’ blessing) 
 Your choice alone (i.e. own choice without parents’ consent) 
  Requested parents or relatives to arrange marriage 
 Others (please specify) 
 
 
 
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56. How did you choose your partner for the previous marriage?  
 
 By parents or relatives alone (i.e. arranged without consent) 
 Parents or relatives with your consent (i.e. arranged with consent) 
 Your choice with consent of parents (i.e. own choice with parents’ blessing) 
 Your choice alone (i.e. own choice without parents’ consent) 
  Requested parents or relatives to arrange marriage 
 Others (please specify) 
 
57. Are you in a polygamous marriage (in your current marriage)?  
 Yes  No 
58.  If yes, please indicate your position in the marriage: _________  
 
59. Number of male children including living and those dead  _________  
 
60. Number of female children including living and those dead _________  
 
61. Do you feel you have adequate number of both male and female children? 
 Yes  No 
 
62. Please discuss your answer 
 
63. For respondents who have ever had children, if you could go back to the time that you 
did not have any children and could choose exactly the number of children that you 
wanted to have, how many children would that be?-
_________________________________________________ 
 
64. For respondents (married or unmarried), who have never had children, if you could 
choose the number of children to have in your whole life how many would that be? 
_________________ 
 
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65. If you are married and living with your husband or partner, what number of children did 
your husband want at the time of marriage? ___________________________________ 
 
66. If you are married and living with your husband or partner, what number of children did 
your husband want currently? 
__________________________________________________ 
 
67. If you are currently married, briefly discuss the process through which you and your 
husband agree to have a certain number of children 
 
68. What is your highest educational level? (Please tick the appropriate) 
  1. No school at all                                  6. Technical college/school  
  2. Primary school                                        7. HND 
  3. Junior high school                                         8. Diploma       
  4. Some senior high school                              9.  Bachelor degree 
  5. Senior high school graduate                         10. Postgraduate degree 
   11. Others...................... 
 
69. Please indicate your religious affiliation. 
 
70. Please indicate your ethnic background? 
 
71. Please state the number of people in your house? ______________________people 
 
72. What is your major occupational activity? Please tick the appropriate occupation 
1) Government sector employee   2) Private sector employee       3) Artisan  
4) Self-employed/ own business          5) Farmer           6) Unemployed                                
7) Other (please specify)………………     
 
73. List the social, economic and political associations that you belong to if any 
 
74. Do you smoke cigarettes? (Please put a tick  according to your answer) 
Never                    Former User     Sometimes           Often 
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75. Do you drink alcoholic beverages? (Please put a tick  according to your answer 
Never                  Former User   Sometimes          Often 
76. Your approximate total personal income per month (please tick the appropriate box). 
   1. Less than GH₵100                         11. GH₵1001-GH₵1100     
   2. GH₵100-GH₵200                          12. GH₵1101-GH₵1200 
   3. GH₵201- GH₵300                         13.GH₵1201-GH₵1300 
   4. GH₵301-GH₵400                          14.GH₵1301- GH₵1400         
   5. GH₵401-GH₵500                          15.GH₵1401-GH₵1500 
   6.  GH₵501-GH₵600                         16. GH₵1501-GH₵1600 
   7. GH₵601- GH₵700                         17.GH₵1601-GH₵1700 
   8. GH₵701-GH₵800                          18.GH₵1701- GH₵1800         
   9. GH₵801-GH₵900                          19.GH₵1801-GH₵1900 
  10. GH₵901-GH₵1000                       20.GH₵1901-GH₵2000 
Others above 2,000 Ghana cedis.................................................................. 
No idea of family income or no answer..........................................................  
77.  Your approximate total family income per month (please tick the appropriate box). 
   1. Less than GH₵100                      11. GH₵1001-GH₵1100     
   2. GH₵100-GH₵200                       12. GH₵1101-GH₵1200 
   3. GH₵201- GH₵300                      13.GH₵1201-GH₵1300 
   4. GH₵301-GH₵400                       14.GH₵1301- GH₵1400         
   5. GH₵401-GH₵500                       15.GH₵1401-GH₵1500 
   6. GH₵501 -GH₵600                      16. GH₵1501-GH₵1600 
   7. GH₵601- GH₵700                      17.GH₵1601-GH₵1700 
   8. GH₵701-GH₵800                       18.GH₵1701- GH₵1800         
   9. GH₵801-GH₵900                      19.GH₵1801-GH₵1900 
   10. GH₵901-GH₵1000                  20.GH₵1901-GH₵2000 
 Others above 2,000 Ghana cedis.................................................................. 
   No idea of family income or no answer.......................................................... 
78.  Any additional information provided by the respondent. 
 
 
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.  END OF SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE. 
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APPENDIX 2: DETERMINATION OF THE OPTIMAL SAMPLE SIZE  
OF HOUSES SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY AT ABOKOBI 
 
The formula for calculating the optimal sample size of houses is based on the work done by 
Yamane (1973). This formula is widely used for its simplicity and given as follows: 
{n = N/1+N (e) 2} where;  
    n = desired sample size,   
    N = total number of houses in Abokobi Main Town at the time of the survey and  
    e = margin of error (10%). 
 
The optimal sample size (n) is therefore calculated from the equation as follows; 
{n = N/1+N (e) 2} 
 n = (404)/(1+(404)*(0.1)2) 
 n = (404)/ (1+4.04) 
 n = 404/5.04 
 n = 80.2 
 
Therefore the desired sample size was 80. But since some people living may refuse to participate 
in the survey, an oversampling was done. So the optimal sample size was increased to 101 
(26.3%).  In two of the 101 houses, based at the Nazareth cluster, the people living in those 
houses refused to take part in the survey citing busy schedules and pressing extended family 
engagements outside Abokobi.  Hence as shown in Appendix 3, only 99 houses were used for 
the interviewing of respondents. There were also several multiple respondents from some houses 
bringing the total number of respondents to 120.  
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APPENDIX 3: THE POPULATION OF HOUSES AND RANDOMLY SELECTED 
NUMBER OF HOUSES FOR EACH OF THE EIGHT RESEARCHER-BASED 
CLUSTERS AT ABOKOBI BASED ON THE CLUSTER SAMPLING METHOD. 
 
Researcher-
based  
cluster 
Name of 
researcher-
based cluster 
 Number of 
houses  in the 
researcher-
based cluster 
  Number  of  
houses 
selected 
based on the 
optimal size 
of 101 
  Actual number of 
houses where 
interviews were 
conducted based on 
the actual sample 
size of 99 
Actual 
number of 
women who 
were 
interviewed 
        1.  Presbyterian 
Church area 
92 
 
 
 
23 
 
23 25 
         2. 
 
Behind 
District 
Assembly 
building area 
28 7 7 10 
         3.  New town 
area 
20 
 
 
5 5 8 
         4.  Around Clinic 
area 
20 
 
 
5 5 8 
         5. 
 
Nazareth 60 
 
 
15 13** 15 
         6.  Salem 48 12 
 
 
 
12 18 
         7.  Estate 80 20 
 
 
 
20 20 
         8.  Adjako 56 14 
 
 
14 16 
 
         Total 
  
404       
 
101 
 
 99 
 
120 
 
Note:  
People in two houses at the Nazareth cluster refused to participate in the survey because of 
urgent family and extended family commitments outside Abokobi at the time of the 
survey. 
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APPENDIX 4: SPSS PROGRAMME USED TO ANALYSE THE SURVEY DATA 
INVOLVING SIMPLE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS (FREQUENCY ANALYSIS AND 
DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS), MULTIPLE REGRESSION ANALYSIS AND LOGISTIC 
REGRESSION ANALYSIS. 
GET DATA 
/TYPE=XLSX 
/FILE='C:\okai2014\survey01.xlsx' 
/READNAMES=ON. 
frequencies variables=v2 to v409. 
descriptives variables=v2 to v409. 
compute age=v379. 
if v408=1 pincome=50. 
if v408=2 pincome=150. 
if v408=3 pincome=250. 
if v408=4 pincome=350. 
if v408=5 pincome=450. 
if v408=6 pincome=550. 
if v408=7 pincome=650. 
if v408=8 pincome=750. 
if v408=9 pincome=850. 
if v408=10 pincome=950. 
if v408=11 pincome=1050. 
if v408=12 pincome=1150. 
if v408=13 pincome=1250. 
if v408=14 pincome=1350. 
if v408=15 pincome=1450. 
if v408=16 pincome=1550. 
if v408=17 pincome=1650. 
if v408=18 pincome=1750. 
if v408=19 pincome=1850. 
if v408=20 pincome=1950. 
if v409=1 hincome=50. 
if v409=2 hincome=150. 
if v409=3 hincome=250. 
if v409=4 hincome=350. 
if v409=5 hincome=450. 
if v409=6 hincome=550. 
if v409=7 hincome=650. 
if v409=8 hincome=750. 
if v409=9 hincome=850. 
if v409=10 hincome=950. 
if v409=11 hincome=1050. 
if v409=12 hincome=1150. 
if v409=13 hincome=1250. 
if v409=14 hincome=1350. 
if v409=15 hincome=1450. 
if v409=16 hincome=1550. 
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if v409=17 hincome=1650. 
if v409=18 hincome=1750. 
if v409=19 hincome=1850. 
if v409=20 hincome=1950. 
if v381=1 cmarry=0. 
if v381=2 cmarry=1. 
if v381=3 cmarry=0. 
if v381=4 cmarry=0. 
if v381=5 cmarry=1. 
if v381=6 cmarry=0. 
if v381=1 emarry=0. 
if v381=2 emarry=1. 
if v381=3 emarry=1. 
if v381=4 emarry=1. 
if v381=5 emarry=0. 
if v381=6 emarry=1. 
compute wantage1=40. 
compute wantage2=20. 
if cmarry=1 and age lt wantage1 and age gt wantage2 cmarry1=1. 
if cmarry=1 and age ge wantage1 cmarry1=0. 
if cmarry=1 and age lt wantage2 cmarry1=0. 
if cmarry=0 cmarry1=0. 
compute educ=v400. 
compute csexrela=v369. 
if v47=1 cmcondom=1. 
if 47=0 cmcondom=0. 
if v65=1 cmcondom=1. 
if v65=0 cmcondom=0. 
if v48=1 cfemalep=1. 
if 48=0 cfemalep=0. 
if v66=1 cfemalep=1. 
if v66=0 cfemalep=0. 
if v49=1 cimedi=1. 
if v49=0 cimedi=0. 
if v67=1 cimedi=1. 
if v67=0 cimedi=0. 
if v50=0 cfcondom=0. 
if v50= 1 cfcondom=1. 
if v68= 0 cfcondom=0. 
if v68=1 cfcondom=1. 
if v51= 1 ciud=1. 
if v51= 0 ciud=0. 
if v69=1 ciud=1. 
if v69=0 ciud=0. 
if v52= 1 clam=1. 
if v52= 0 clam=0. 
if v70=1 clam=1. 
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if v70=0 clam=0. 
if v53= 1 cimplant=1. 
if v53= 0 cimplant=0. 
if v71=1 cimplant=1. 
if v71=0 cimplant=0. 
if v54= 1 cligat=1. 
if v54= 0 cligat=0. 
if v72=1 cligat=1. 
if v72=0 cligat=0. 
if v55= 1 cemcont=1. 
if v55= 0 cemcont=0. 
if v73=1 cemcont=1. 
if v73=0 cemcont=0. 
if v56= 1 cfoamt=1. 
if v56= 0 cfoamt=0. 
if v74=1 cfoamt=1. 
if v74=0 cfoamt=0. 
if v57= 1 crhythm=1. 
if v57= 0 crhythm=0. 
if v75=1 crhythm=1. 
if v75=0 crhythm=0. 
if v58= 1 ctrherb=1. 
if v58= 0 ctrherb=0. 
if v76=1 ctrherb=1. 
if v76=0 ctrherb=0. 
if v59= 1 clegabo=1. 
if v59= 0 clegabo=0. 
if v77=1 clegabo=1. 
if v77=0 clegabo=0. 
if v60= 1 cillabo=1. 
if v60= 0 cillabo=0. 
if v78=1 cillabo=1. 
if v78=0 cillabo=0. 
if v61= 1 csevmth=1. 
if v61= 0 csevmth=0. 
if v79=1 csevmth=1. 
if v79=0 csevmth=0. 
if v62= 1 ctrbc=1. 
if v62= 0 ctrbc=0. 
if v80=1 ctrbc=1. 
if v80=0 ctrbc=0. 
if v63= 1 cwithd=1. 
if v63= 0 cwithd=0. 
if v81=1 cwithd=1. 
if v81=0 cwithd=0. 
if v83=1 pmcondom=1. 
if v83=0 pmcondom=0. 
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if v84=1 pfemalep=1. 
if v84=0 pfemalep=0. 
if v85=1 pimedi=1. 
if v85=0 pimedi=0. 
if v86=1 pfcondom=1. 
if v86=0 pfcondom=0. 
if v87=1 piud=1. 
if v87=0 piud=0. 
if v88=1 plam=1. 
if v88=0 plam=0. 
if v89=1 pimplant=1. 
if v89=0 pimplant=0. 
if v90=1 pligat=1. 
if v90=0 pligat=0. 
if v91=1 pemcont=1. 
if v91=0 pemcont=0. 
if v92=1 pfoamt=1. 
if v92=0 pfoamt=0. 
if v93=1 prhythm=1. 
if v93=0 phrythm=0. 
if v94=1 ptrherb=1. 
if v94=0 ptrherb=0. 
if v95=1 plegabo=1. 
if v95=0 plegabo=0. 
if v96=1 pillabo=1. 
if v96=0 pillabo=0. 
if v97=1 psevmth=1. 
if v97=0 psevmth=0. 
if v98=1 ptrbc=1. 
if v98=0 ptrbc=0. 
if v99=1 pwithd=1. 
if v99=0 pwithd=0. 
if v45=1 eusebcm=1. 
if v45=0 eusebcm=0. 
compute 
aware1=(v6+v7+v8+v9+v10+v11+v12+v13+v14+v15+v16+v17+v18+v19+v20+v21+v22)/17. 
compute aware2=(v12+v15+v21)/3. 
if v401=11 muslim=1. 
if v401 ne 11 muslim=0. 
if v401=1 christ=1. 
if v401=2 christ=1. 
if v401=3 christ=1. 
if v401=4 christ=1. 
if v401=5 christ=1. 
if v401=6 christ=1. 
if v401=7 christ=1. 
if v401=8 christ=1. 
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if v401=9 christ=1. 
if v401=10 christ=1. 
if v401=11 christ=0. 
if v401=12 christ=1. 
if v401=13 christ=1. 
if v401=14 christ=0. 
if v404=7 student=1. 
if v404 ne 7 student=0. 
compute edu=v400. 
compute hincomei=v409. 
compute agesq=age*age. 
compute nchild=v391+v392. 
if nchild gt 0 children=1. 
if nchild=0 children=0. 
if v393=1 enoughch=1. 
if v393=0 enoughch=0. 
descriptives variables=age csexrela v409 v12 pincome hincome muslim christ student 
enoughch.  
frequencies variables=age csexrela v409 v12 pincome hincome muslim christ student 
enoughch. 
descriptives variables=v47 to v64. 
descriptives variables=v65 to v82. 
descriptives variables=v83 to v100. 
descriptives variables=cusebcm1 pusebcm1 eusebcm1 eusebcm cuseonly puseonly bothuse 
cuser puser. 
frequencies variables=cusebcm1 pusebcm1 eusebcm1 eusebcm cuseonly puseonly bothuse 
cuser puser. 
descriptives variables= v101 to v113. 
descriptives variables= v114 to v126. 
descriptives variables= v127 to v139. 
descriptives variables= v140 to v152. 
descriptives variables= v153 to v165. 
descriptives variables= v166 to v178. 
descriptives variables= v179 to v191. 
descriptives variables= v192 to v204. 
descriptives variables= v205 to v217. 
descriptives variables= v218 to v230. 
descriptives variables= v231 to v243. 
descriptives variables= v244 to v256. 
descriptives variables= v257 to v269. 
descriptives variables= v270 to v282. 
descriptives variables= v283 to v295. 
descriptives variables= v296 to v308. 
regression variables=aware1 edu age children/descriptives=corr/statistics=coeff r tol collin 
anova/dependent=aware1/method= 
enter edu age children/residuals. 
logistic regression eusebcm with csexrela cmarry1 aware2 children student. 
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