Contraceptive use by number of living children in Ghana: Evidence from the 2017 maternal health survey

Background There is a significant literature describing the link between parity and contraceptive use. However, there is limited knowledge about the disaggregation by parity of the type of contraceptives. In this study, we describe the use of contraceptives by parity among women of reproductive age in Ghana, focusing on use of highly effective methods (injection, pill, intrauterine device, implant, and sterilization). Methods Using the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey, a nationally-representative cross-sectional household survey, we describe contraceptive method use by number of living children among sexually active women of reproductive age. We then estimated predictors of use of highly effective contraception in a multilevel logistic regression model. Results Most women in this survey are not using any method of contraception, although this varies by whether or not they have begun childbearing. Contraceptive method use varies by number of living children. Before having children, natural (periodic abstinence and withdrawal) and episodic (condoms) methods dominate. Once a woman has one living child, method preference changes to injectables and implants. Factors associated with using a highly effective method of contraception are: having >3 children, being in a relationship, having had an abortion, being younger than age 30, and having had sexual intercourse within days of answering the survey (p < .001 for all). Conclusion In this analysis, the number of living children a woman has, her age, and timing of last intercourse are the most significant predictors of using a highly effective method of contraception. However, the majority of participants in this study report not using any method of contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Future research that attempts to unpack the disconnect between not wanting to become pregnant and not using contraception is warranted.