Contraception and induced abortion in rural Ghana

This article describes the results of a community-based survey on birth control in a rural district in western Ghana. Structured interviews with 2179 women and men aged 15-49 years were used to study the prevalence of contraceptive methods and induced abortion. In addition, the influence of induced abortion on reported fertility in relation to residence and education was analysed. The results show that 59.8% had used a contraceptive method at some time in life, while use of induced abortion was reported by 22.6% of respondents. Prevalence of ever-use of any method to avoid childbirth, contraception and/or induced abortion was 67.1%. Urban residence and higher education were associated with more induced abortions and higher use of contraceptive methods. Differences in use of induced abortion were partly responsible for the education and residence-related changes in fertility. Induced abortion needs to be considered when discussing methods in use to avoid childbirth in developing countries.