The Influence, Choice and Use of Contraceptives by teenage girls in Sunyani west district, Ghana.

Teenage pregnacy in Sunyani west district, Ghana.

Abstract

Estimations are that in Ghana, 21% of young girls are mothers by the time they are 18 years old. Unplanned pregnancies among young girls occur mainly due to lack of knowledge about sexuality issues and inappropriate use or non-use of contraceptives. The aim of the study was to determine what influences the choice and use of contraceptives by teenagers in Sunyani west district and suggest ways of improving contraceptive use. The study design was exploratory, descriptive and quantitative. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents from the lists of pregnant teenagers and those having a baby or babies provided by professional nurses in specific health care centers selected for the study. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire during respondents’ normal routine visit to the designated health care centers.

Results revealed that partner preference 36.62%, absence of side effects 22.54% and ease of use 12.65% influenced the choice of and use of contraceptives by respondents. Slightly less than half the number of respondents used condoms 46.77%, oral pill 20.97%, the same proportion of 20.97% used emergency contraceptives and 4.48%  used injectables. Main sources of contraceptive information were school teachers, 31.16%, with family members being the least 10.39%. Reasons for discontinuing the use of contraceptives, resulting in pregnancy included side effects 35.62%, partner dislike 32.88% and high cost of contraceptives 9.5%. Respondents suggested various ways to improve contraceptive use and susequently reduce unplanned pregnancies.