CONTRACEPTIVES PREFERENCE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE WITHIN YENDI MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

It is overwhelming to know that issues about contraceptive preference and use in sub- Saharan Africa including Ghana is considered as a major developmental challenge. It is important to know that the factors affecting contraceptive preference are enormous. Tn spite of the remarkable efforts made in improving contraceptive prevalence rate in Ghana, there are still substantial constrains to a number of users of contraceptives not excluding contraceptives preference in the country. For this reason, even though contraceptives might have been examined by many scholars, yet the challenges pertaining to contraceptive preference and use among young people have still not been much dealt with. The general objective of this study was to identify factors that influence contraceptives preference and examine the relationship between preference and usage of modem contraceptives. Data was collected using quantitative and qualitative methods (mixed method). The tools used for data collection were questionnaire and in-depth interviews guide as well as focus group discussions. This study revealed that out of 400 young people aged 10-30 years involved in the study, 321 respondents have at least heard of one or more contraception method(s). However, only 38.5% would use a preferred contraceptive method if available, and (61.5%) will not consider using any contraceptive method for one or more of the following reasons; not having knowledge of any method; religious beliefs, side effects etc. The findings of this cross-sectional study also revealed that religious affiliation has an influence on contraceptive preference and usage. It is recommended that contraceptive providers must take keen interest in periodic sensitization of the general public about the general benefits of contraceptive methods. Easy accessible avenues must be created to address complains in order to reduce the unmet needs of young people. Perhaps further study can be done on married young people regarding contraceptives preference.