Factors Related Non-Use of Modern Contraceptive Methods among Adolescents and Young Adults in Savannah and North East Regions, Ghana

Gretchen Thompson, Fhi 360
Eunice Sefa, Fhi 360
Rachel Lenzi, FHI 360
Felicity Nelson, FHI 360
Ransford Mensah, FHI 360
Rose Wilder, FHI 360
Joshua Amo-Adjei, University of Cape Coast
Charles Atanga, University of Cape Coast
Erin Sullivan, USAID
Mahama Seidu, Ghana Health Service/Health Promotion Division
Matthew Owusu, Ghana Health Service/Health Promotion Division

Early sexual debut is prevalent in Ghana, and adolescent pregnancy has strong prospects of negatively affecting the health and well-being of mothers throughout the life course. This mixed methods study conducted from March 2024 to December 2025 assesses the sexual behaviors of adolescents (ages 15-19) and young adults (ages 20-24) in northern Ghana and their demand for, and access to, quality family planning (FP) and maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services. At baseline, only 18.9% of respondents who were not currently pregnant nor trying to get pregnant reported modern contraceptive method (MCM) use, although 54.2% reported currently trying to avoid getting pregnant. Education, urban residency, and exposure to specific FP programs were associated with higher MCM use, particularly among women. This highlights the importance of expanding access to FP education and services, especially in rural areas and among individuals with less formal education. Additionally, men and women who were more knowledgeable about contraceptive methods and their effectiveness were more likely to use MCM.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Population and Development

See extended abstract.