Attitudes and Social Norms Influencing Adolescents’ Contraception Utilisation in Bongo District, Ghana

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy poses a significant global challenge, with Ghana experiencing high rates contributing to annual maternal deaths.  Effective contraception utilisation can prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among adolescents. This study  examines attitudes and social norms influencing adolescents’ contraception utilisation in Bongo District, Ghana, employing a quantitative  self-report cross-sectional design. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 379 adolescents, with data collected using a  standardized questionnaire. Analysis conducted using SPSS Version 21 revealed a 100 % response rate, predominantly comprising  females (66.8 %, n=253), with a mean age of 17.4. Approximately half of the respondents (53.3 %, n=202) reported using contraception,  and adolescents’ attitudes towards contraception use were mainly positive (n=229, 60.4 %). Furthermore, subjective norms positively  affected contraception use. A majority of participants (n=233, 61.5 %) reported experiencing social pressure or support to use contraception, with the highest level of support coming from healthcare providers (n=237, 62.5 %). The study underscores the critical role  of midwives, public health nurses, and healthcare providers in educating and promoting contraception use among adolescents.