Postpartum Use of Modern Contraceptives Among Women in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Postpartum contraception is the use of modern methods of contraception as soon as possible after childbirth and the continued practice of this or an alternative method for at least twenty-four months to optimize the timing and spacing of pregnancies. This study aimed to assess postpartum contraception among women attending the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among postpartum women attending TTH from November 1st to 30th, 2021. A simple random sampling method was used to select 422. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Out of 400 respondents, 135 (33.5%) were currently using a contraceptive, the majority of whom (57, 44.9%) preferred the injectable. There was an association between contraceptive use and respondents' education level, marital status, occupation, and partner’s educational level (p = 0.001, 0.005, 0.001, and 0.000, respectively). There was an association between contraceptive use and the age of the last child of respondents, respondents desiring to have another child and a positive history of contraceptive use (p= 0.015,0.003 and 0.000, respectively). 113 (28.2%) did not use contraceptives because they were afraid of becoming infertile. Postpartum contraceptive use is low among women in Tamale. The most preferred method of contraception is the injectable. The utilization of contraceptives among respondents is affected by socio-demographic characteristics as well as reproductive characteristics. The primary reason for the non-use of contraceptives was fear of infertility. More education on contraceptive use and its benefits should be intensified among women to improve its prevalence.