Background: Evidence suggests that modern contraceptive use among married women
in low-income countries, including Ghana, is very low. This notwithstanding, few
empirical research has been done to identify the determinants of modern contraceptives
use among lactating mothers in Ghana more generally, and in the Agotime-Ziope
District of the Volta Region in particular. The purpose of this study was to examine
factors determining modern contraceptive usage among lactating mothers in the
Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 randomly sampled
lactating mothers in the district. Data were collected using structured questionnaires.
Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analysis techniques were used to analyse
and present the data.
Results: Contraceptive awareness among lactating mothers is 99%. Despite this,
contraceptive prevalence or use among the study respondents was very low: only 29%
were currently using contraceptives. Educational level, place of residence, partners
influence, and partner’s educational level were significantly associated with modern
contraceptive use. Fear of side effects, poor attitudes of healthcare providers and
partners being opposed to use of modern contraceptives were also found to discourage
modern contraceptive use.
Conclusion: High levels of awareness of contraceptive methods do not necessarily lead
to use in this study. It is therefore recommended that the Agotime-Ziope District Health
Management team develop and implement educational interventions for lactating
mothers that will enable them understand the importance of using modern contraceptive
methods. Men should also be educated on the importance of the use of modern
contraceptives in order to encourage their partners to use the methods.