PREDICTORS OF CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SELECTED SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE KWABRE EAST MUNICIPALITY.

Abstract

In Ghana, about 30% of pregnancies are unplanned, with adolescents having a significantly higher prevalence (70%) than adults do. Adolescent's reproductive decisions have a significant impact on their health, education, employment prospects, and general adult development. Investigating the rising incidence of teen sexual behavior, particularly in senior high schools, has become crucial. Despite the reality that many adolescent in Ghana engage in sexual activity, many do not know the different types of contraception that are available or how to use them effectively. This study therefore seeks to focus specifically on the predictors of contraceptive use among adolescents (15-19) in Senior High Schools in the Kwabre East Municipality. The data for the study were collected using a cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical methodology. The study, which involved 395 students from five senior high schools in Ghana's Kwabre East Municipality in the Ashanti Region, used a structured questionnaire. Of these, 275 (69.6%) female students and 120 (30.4%) male students made up the study's sample. Both descriptive and inferential analysis were made. Adolescents' use of contraceptives was predicted using binary logistic regression. Odds ratios with a p-value of 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were used to determine the significance of the association. The results showed that knowledge 272(68.86%) and attitude 342(86.58%) were high but prevalence of contraceptive use was low 126(31.90%) among the students. The findings also revealed a statistically significant association between the use of contraceptives and a number of other variables, including the school students attend (X2 = 44.435, p < 0.001), sex/gender of student (X2 = 10.356, p = 0.001), Form/level of students (X2 = 9.103, p = 0.011), how often students are able to discuss issues concerning sex with their partner(X2 = 24.732, p < 0.001) and being in a relationship (X2 = 61.309, p < 0.001).In conclusion, contraceptive use was sub-optimal but knowledge and attitudes towards it was high. Policymakers should regularly organize a Trainer of Trainers session for selected students (both males and females) from the municipality's various senior high schools who will return to their respective schools to enlighten their peers on methods of contraception, use, and side effects. The objective is to make adolescents feel welcome and unbothered using contraceptives by creating this environment.