Preference for Injectable Contraceptives in Ghana: An Analysis of Mediating Factors

Injectable contraceptives were introduced in Ghana during the mid-1990’s and currently account for more than 30% of contraceptive use by women in Ghana. Thirty-nine percent of prospective users of modern family planning methods are also likely to opt for injectables. Two injectable contraceptives are currently available in Ghana. These are depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and oestradiol valerate. This study sought to identify factors contributing to the high patronage of injectable contraceptives in Ghana.

We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi Ghana. All women on injectable contraceptives accessing services in the hospital at the time of the study were eligible for selection. Using simple random sampling, 247 women were selected for the study.

The majority of respondents (70%) were on injection depot medroxyprogesterone acetate. Sixty percent of respondents were on injectables as their first ever method of contraception. Recommendations by relations and friends and forgetfulness associated with other methods were common reasons for opting for injectables. The convenient dosing, schedule, favorable side effect profile, preference for injections, desire to be discreet, dislike of pills and side effects associated with other methods were also identified as factors contributing to the high uptake of injectable contraceptives. The majority of respondents were satisfied with the method and will recommend it to another person.

A high level of satisfaction exists among users of injectable contraceptives. Further public education on this and other methods have the potential to improve Ghana’s contraceptive prevalence rate and reduce the unmet need for family planning.