MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE AMONG FEMALE REFUGEES IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY OF FETENTA REFUGEE CAMP

ABSTRACT

Contraception is one of the four essential determinant factors of fertility identify by Bongart (1978). The role of contraceptive usage in population reduction and reproductive health cannot be overemphasized. Over the years, Ghana has been promoting the modern usage of contraceptives, yet there has not been appreciable and consistent increase in its usage among citizens and to some extent refugees in the country. The extent of meeting the needs of vulnerable groups such as female refugees has not been extensively studied. The study, therefore, examined the modern contraceptive usage among female refugees in Ghana the case of Fetenta refugees‟ camp. The research design that was adopted was a mixed method. The sample size was made up of 70 female refuges selected through systematic sampling procedure. Instruments were structured questionnaires and in-depth interview guides. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative through the use of thematic analysis. The result shows that perception and knowledge of contraceptives were positive in terms of the types and reasons for the usage. With regards to accessibility, the findings indicated that it was difficult accessing it since it was not available and knowledge on its usage was lacking. The major reasons for its usage were the prevention of pregnancy and birth spacing. It is concluded that modern contraceptive usage should be made available within the camps for easy patronage. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that healthcare providers, friends, and the mass media are the source of information on contraceptives, therefore GHS should have a policy on how to reach out to people including refugees with in-depth knowledge on the benefits of contraceptive usage.