Abstract:
The study aimed to investigate modern contraception use among postpartum women in the immediate postpartum period within the Sunyani municipal area of Bono Region, Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to sample 903 postpartum women in their immediate postpartum period. Data were analysed with SPSS software version 22.0, and results were presented as frequencies, Pearson Chi-square test and binary logistic regression model. The results showed that 75%(n=678) of the women‘s knowledge level on the appropriateness of modern contraceptives use in the immediate postpartum period was low, with male condoms and injectables being the most commonly known compared to other methods. Though there was a positive attitude towards modern contraception, its utilisation among postpartum women was also low at 6%(n=52). All postpartum women attended the antenatal clinic (ANC) and postnatal clinic (PNC), but only 32%(n=292) and 26%(n=231) received counselling on family planning, respectively. Those who received education on possible side-effects of using modern contraception were 30%(n=157). The use of modern contraceptives after delivery was significantly associated with receiving counselling on family planning methods at both ANC and PNC, provision of education on possible side-effects of using modern contraceptive methods, postpartum women within the ages of 26-35 years, obtaining a tertiary level of education and having five or more living children. It is recommended that the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and other health agencies introduce Mothercraft Schools in all healthcare institutions to promote higher knowledge on modern contraception usage after delivery.
