Exploring Contraceptive Knowledge and Use among Women Experiencing Induced Abortion in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Adriana AE Biney

Abstract

 

Using a qualitative research methodology, twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with induced abortion experiences at Korle Bu and Tema Hospitals in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Results suggest that these women tended not to have knowledge of contraceptive methods prior to the abortion, while others were informed but failed to use for a variety of reasons ranging from rumours of side effects to personal negative experiences with modern contraceptive methods. A few women also stated contraceptive failure as a reason for their unintended pregnancies that were later aborted. Peer and reproductive health education must be reinforced in communities in the Greater Accra Region to curb adolescents engaging in early sex and should challenge the existing rumours associated with contraception in Ghana. In addition, family planning services in terms of appropriate methods with no side effects must be made available to women in the reproductive ages (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[1]: 37-46).

 

Résumé

 

Explorer la connaissance du contraceptif et son utilisation  chez les femmes qui subissent l’avortement déclenché à Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Nous avons, à l’aide d’une méthodologie de recherche qualitative, recueilli vingt-quatre interviews semi structurées auprès des femmes qui ont vécu l’avortement déclenché, dans les hôpitaux de Korle Bu et de Tema à Greater Accra.  Les résultats montrent que ces femmes paraissent de ne pas avoir connu des méthodes contraceptives avant l’avortement, alors que les autres étaient renseignées mais n’ont pas utilisaient les méthodes pour des raisons qui varient des effets secondaires aux expériences négatives avec les méthodes du contraceptif moderne.  Peu de femmes ont mentionné l’impuissance du contraceptif comme étant la raison pour leurs grossesses non voulues qui ont été avortées plus tard.  Il faut renforcer l’éducation sexuelle et des pairs dans les communautés dans Greater Accra Region pour éviter que les adolescents soient engagés dans des rapports sexuels précoces et pour contester les rumeurs liées à la contraception au Ghana.  De plus, il faut assurer les services de la planification familiale en termes des méthodes appropriées et sans des effets secondaires aux femmes en âge de procréation (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[1]: 37-46).

 

 

  Keywords: Induced Abortion; Contraception; Family Planning Knowledge; Ghana 

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