Abstract:
Modern contraceptive methods are an integrated part of family planning which purpose is to help individuals and families take control over their reproductive health and needs. Modern family planning influence population dynamic and economic development as emphasized by the Sustainable Development Goals. However, the use of modern contraceptives has been very low in many developing countries including Ghana as compared to developed countries.
Considering the tremendous contribution of women in national productivity, this study seeks to investigate factors affecting the utilization of modern contraceptives, and also to determine the its prevalence rate among female traders in their fertility ages at the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality market in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality market in the Greater Accra Region. By means of a randomized technique, 306 qualified and consented participants were selected and interviewed on-site during selling hours using a structured and anonymous pretested questionnaire.
The findings of the study revealed that the modern contraceptive prevalence rate was 26.1%. None of the socio-demographic factors investigated were found to be significantly associated with the use of modern contraceptives. The level of awareness was almost universal (96.4%). Contraceptive use was found high among married women (56.3%) and with some form of educational attainments. Again, most contraceptive users were found between 25-24 years (41.2%). Injectable (43.8%) was the most commonly used method among modern contraceptive users followed by pills (25%) and IUD (12.5%). Not all current contraceptive users (36.3%) have informed their partners.
Despite the fact that modern contraceptive prevalence was higher than the national figure, this study has demonstrated needs for further research among this subpopulation and provision of modern contraceptive near the market.
