When Contraceptive Means No Pregnancy: Narrative Account of Contraceptive Use among Reproductive Women at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Abstract

Contraception is a major intervention in improving maternal health. There are about 214 million women of reproductive age in developing countries who are not using modern contraception to prevent pregnancy. For proper locale-specific analysis of female reproductive health issues in Ghana, it is vital to explore the knowledge base and hindrances to contraception use in local communities. We used a phenomenological design to study reproductive- aged women in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana in order to comprehend the life world of study participants. This research demonstrates that the majority of the women in the study area have some form of knowledge about contraception, with mass media being their main source of information. The contraception methods known and cited by participants included birth control pills, condoms, injectable methods, and IUDs, with the prevention of unwanted pregnancies as the main reason for using contraceptives. For most of the participants, side effects and spiritual beliefs are the major hindrances to the use of contraception. We recommend that information on reproductive health in the Tamale Metropolis should not be limited to health facilities but should include the use of media outlets and social media platforms. Finally, clinicians should actively educate religious leaders in the metropolis to demystify the numerous superstitious beliefs associated with the use of contraception in the area.