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What happened to the IUD in Ghana?
African Journal of Reproductive Health
|February 21, 2006
Summary
Demand for intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) in Ghana is low due to user misconceptions about side effects like bleeding and weight gain, and poor product perception. Provider attitudes are favorable, but practical experience is limited.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
- Contraception
Background:
- The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting, and reversible contraceptive method.
- Despite its benefits, IUD use has stagnated in Ghana compared to other contraceptive methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore client, provider, and system factors influencing IUD demand in Ghana.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for increased IUD uptake.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory study utilizing secondary data analysis.
- In-depth interviews and focus group discussions with clients and providers.
- Simulated client survey to assess service delivery.
Main Results:
- Client perceptions and rumors regarding side effects (e.g., excessive bleeding, weight loss) significantly deter IUD use.
- Negative perceptions of IUD product design also contribute to low demand.
- Poor demand creation strategies and insufficient numbers of experienced IUD insertion providers were identified as system-level barriers.
- Providers demonstrated favorable attitudes towards IUDs, contrary to assumptions of provider bias.
Conclusions:
- Addressing client misconceptions and improving IUD product perception are crucial for increasing demand.
- Enhancing demand creation efforts and increasing the pool of skilled providers are necessary system-level interventions.
- Future interventions should focus on accurate information dissemination and provider training to boost IUD utilization.
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