Contraceptive use among Students of a Health Training institution in the North-east Region of Ghana

Background: Despite contraceptive awareness and availability to the general population, including higher education institutions, unplanned pregnancies continue to increase.

Aim: The study assessed contraceptive usage among female health students in the North-East Region, Ghana.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional studydesign was used to assess contraceptive use among 143 female health students. The data was collected using an online survey, analysed descriptively, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The age ranged from 18 and 36 years, with a mean age of 23.7 (Sd±2.82) years, and the majority (69.9%) were in the 21-25 years age category. The mean age of first sexual intercourse was 17.8 (Sd ±5.65) years. The overall prevalence of contraceptive use was 59.0% with ever and current users being 47.6% and 35.,7% respectively. The male condom was a commonly used contraceptive (53.6%). Using the Chi-square test, we found significant differences between current contraceptive use and age at first sexual intercourse (X2=15.42, p=0.009), protection during first sexual intercourse (X2=7.30, p=0.026), current relationship status (X2=15.12, p<0.001), and multiple sexual partners (X2=10.25, p=0.001). Being in a sexual relationship (OR=4.49, 95%CI: 1.61, 12.50, p=0.004) was positively associated with current contraceptive use. Prevention of unwanted pregnancy/birth was the common reason for contraceptive use, with fear of perceived side effects as the reason for non-use of contraceptives.

Conclusion: Overall, the study found high contraceptive use with significant discontinuation among ever and current users. There is a need for public health education and promotion programmes to increase the acceptance and use of contraceptives among the study population and the public.