Knowledge and current use of contraception among women in Ghana

Stephen O. Kwankye, University of Ghana
Michael Acheampong, Ghana Statistical Service

The study examines the relationship between the number of contraceptive methods known by a woman and contraceptive usage. It uses data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey with a sample of 4,716 women and employs multiple linear regression technique to examine the relationship between the number of contraceptive methods known and usage. Binary logistic regression model is also used to examine the relationship between women’s background characteristics and contraceptive use controlling for contraceptive methods known. The results indicate that increase in the number of contraceptive methods known by a woman increases her chance of using a method of contraception by 1.6 times. More educated women are likely to know more contraceptive methods and use any of them. It concludes that placing emphasis on educating women on more contraceptive methods in family planning programming could attract a higher usage based on informed choice.