Knowledge, acceptance and utilisation of the female condom among women of reproductive age in Ghana

Contraception and Reproductive Medicine

Jemima Misornu Akporlu¹  Nuworza Kugbey²  Mark Kwame Ananga³  Kwaku Oppong Asante⁴ 

[1] Adidome District Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service;Department of Family and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences;Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences;Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana;

关键词: Female condom;    Knowledge;    Acceptance;    Utilisation;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40834-017-0042-9

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background The female condom (FC) is the only safe and effective female-initiated method that provides simultaneous protection against unintended pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. Knowledge of FC use among women and the perceptions and attitudes towards condom use can contribute to its uptake as an important public health strategy for HIV prevention in Ghana. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence in this area of public health research to inform interventions. This study seeks to examine women’s knowledge, acceptance and utilisation of the FC and factors that influence its acceptance and utilisation. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used and a total of 380 females between the ages of 15 and 49 years were sampled from the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana. A self-administered structured questionnaire measuring the study variables was used, and frequencies, percentages and Chi Square tests were used to analyse the data. Results There is low level of FC use among the women as less than half (48.4%) of the sample were aware of the FC. It was further observed that 21.1, 21.8 and 11.1% of the sample reported friends, media and a public lecture as their sources of knowledge of the FC respectively. It was also observed that there is a low level of FC acceptance and utilisation, and also limited access to the FC from nearby shops/pharmacies (1.8%) and health centres (7.4%). Conclusions There is a generally low level of FC awareness, knowledge, acceptance and utilisation and therefore, there is the need for increased public education on the FC and its benefits to women in preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

【 授权许可】

Unknown