Discontinuation of contraceptive use in Ghana

Using data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 1998, this paper analyzed the duration of use of a contraceptive method and the reasons for its non-use given by former users of contraception. The results showed that the duration of use tended to be short, particularly so for the use of condom and withdrawal. Injectable contraceptives and periodic abstinence tended to be used for relatively long periods. After type of method, a woman's age and residence (urban or rural) were the most significant predictors of duration of use. The reasons for not currently using contraception given by significant numbers of former users of pill and injectable contraceptives should concern service providers and educators.