Effects Of Spousal Decision Making On The Type Of Contraceptive Method Used In Ghana

ABSTRACT

The literature suggests an important linkage between inter-spousal decision making and contraceptive use. Decision making in a spousal relationship helps to support spousal growth as compromises can be reached on sensitive topics, especially those regarding fertility preference, the type of contraceptive method to adopt, and other reproductive health issues that affect the woman’s overall health and well-being. However, the effect of decision making on contraceptive method choice has received little attention. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to examine the effects of spousal decision making in Ghana and its association with the type of contraceptive method used among women in Ghana. The dataset used for the study was the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) women’s file and the weighted sample consisted of 1,408 married or cohabiting women who were currently using a method of contraception. Spousal decision making and the type of contraceptive method used was investigated by using cross tabulations and binary logistic regression techniques to assess their associations. At the multivariate level, the relationship between decision making and the type of contraceptive method used was analyzed while controlling for socio-economic and demographic characteristics using binary logistic regression. Decision making was found to be a significant predictor of the type of contraceptive method used as those making joint decisions were more likely to use modern methods. A woman’s age, region of residence, educational attainment and number of living children showed significant associations with the type of contraceptive method used. Findings from the study inform recommendations to improve joint decision making which can result in use of modern methods of contraception. There is also need for further qualitative research to explore the details of spousal decision making and how it influences the type of contraceptive method used.