FEMALE ADOLESCENTS’ KNOWLEDGE, ACCESS AND USAGE OF CONTRACEPTIVES IN THREE SELECTED JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS, IN THE CAPE COAST METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

Though contraceptive knowledge has become widespread among Female Adolescents in Ghana, its use has persistently remained low for which the Central Region is no exception. Several studies have shown no evidence of empirical study conducted on Adolescents knowledge, Access and Usage of contraceptives among female adolescents in the Cape Coast Metropolis. To fill this literature gap, this study assessed the Adolescents knowledge level of contraceptive usage, the availability and accessibility of contraceptive, the rate of contraceptive usage, and the barriers to contraceptive use, using 150 adolescents in three selected schools in the study area. The descriptive study style was employed using structured questionnaire which was self-administered. Frequencies and percentages of data were displayed using tables, non-parametric equivalent of the One-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis method of data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that, knowledge on contraceptives was universal with almost every respondent being knowledgeable in the variables provided. Principally most respondents knew the pharmacy as the only sales point or source for contraceptives. A low prevalence rate of contraceptive use was also revealed. Aside from that, results from both culture and religion clearly showed that, both were not in support of contraceptive use for adolescents. The study therefore recommends the need to improve awareness among the study population.