UTILIZATION OF CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS BY POST PARTUM WOMEN IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS, GHANA

Postpartum contraception is an essential determinant for population control and mitigation of maternal, infant morbidity and mortality. Birth spacing lowers the risk of preterm birth, a major cause of infant mortality. Northern region has the lowest contraception uptake of 11% in Ghana. Again, limited study has been conducted on this topic over the years hence necessitating the conduct of this study. Mixed study design was employed for the study. Simple random and purposive sampling technique were used to recruit 318 and four postpartum mothers and midwives respectively in four health centres. Data was obtained through structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis was adopted to determine the relationships that existed between socio-demographic characteristics, reproductive health factors, partner support and postpartum contraceptive uptake. Qualitative data was transcribed and imported into Quirkos software version 2.3.1 for coding and analysis. The study revealed 25.5% prevalence for postpartum contraception.The commonest contraceptive method used by mothers were injectable (28.4%), followed by contraceptives pills (23.5%) and UID (18.5%). Implants (13.6%) and condom (7.4%) were the least used method. Women who were not informed on contraceptive side effects had lower odds of using contraceptives compared to well informed women (AOR=0.16, 95% CI: 0.06 -0.50, p< 0.001). Expectantly, employment and spousal support were found to have influence on postpartum contraceptive uptake. Contraceptive prevalence was relatively higher among women compared to the national prevalence rate of 22%. High quality post-partum family planning services must be considered a priority area in health care delivery in Ghana. Family planning uptake is still low contextually and therefore the need for the Ministry of Health to strengthen collaborations with the civil society groups, community stakeholders and NGOs to intensify advocacy on post-partum contraception in the Tamale Metropolis and Ghana at large.