KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF CONTRACEPTIVES USE AMONG MARRIED WOMEN IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS IN NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The socio-economic implication of keeping large families has been a global issue that has undoubtedly triggered modern contraceptive use in many countries. Despite the importance of contraceptives, their usage has been comparatively low in Sub-Saharan African countries including Ghana. This study investigated the use of contraceptives among married women in the Tamale Metropolis. The study was hinged on a cross-sectional research design in collecting data from respondents. Tools used included questionnaire and interviews with married women in groups and individually. Key informants from the GHS, PPAG, private clinics and pharmacists were also contacted to elicit information to complete the study, A total of 208 respondents were sampled for the study; out of which 150 responded to household questionnaires, 45 were reached through focus group discussions and 13 respondents were purposively selected and interviewed as key informants. The study revealed that knowledge of contraceptives among the population is high (95%) as well as usage (51 %). It however revealed that religion, male dominance and in-laws substantially influence married women's' decision to use contraceptives. The study further revealed that women admit that contraceptives are good; it makes sexual intercourse enjoyable devoid of the fear of unplanned pregnancies and STIs. However, inadequate knowledge on the availability of alternative contraceptive methods and their use, coupled with non-expert advice for women accounts for some of these problems associated with contraceptive usage. Health workers played very little role in creating awareness of contraceptives and its usage within the area. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that health institutions should step up targeted sensitization on the use of contraceptives among married women. Male involvement in family planning programmes is also crucial in limiting suspicions among couples. The need for reproductive health programmes to identify and train men mentors in contraceptive promotion was also recommended.