Predictors of reported side effects from contraceptive use among females in predominantly rural communities in central Ghana

Yeetey A. Enuameh, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Emmanuel Mahama, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Ernest Nettey, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
George Adjei, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Abubakari Sulemana, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Kwaku Poku Asante, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Seth Owusu-Agyei, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)

Side effects from their use, societal stigma and providers’ relationships to clients are among reasons attributed to females’ poor use of contraceptive methods. Though known to significantly prevent maternal deaths, contraceptive use among females is poor in low and middle-income countries. In order to identify predictors to reported side effects, a cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from females in rural communities in Central Ghana currently using contraceptives. Univariate logistic analysis yielded relationships of statistical significance between the dependent variable “reporting side effects from current contraceptive use” and 6 independent variables. Multivariate logistic analysis however produced a statistically significant relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variable “ever told by a health worker about anticipated side effects”. It could be inferred from results of the study that previous information on anticipated side effects received by females from health providers could be protective against reported/experienced side effects.