Barriers to Intrauterine Device Uptake in a Rural Setting in Ghana

Nuriya Robinson1, Mosa Moshabela2, Lydia Owusu-Ansah3

  • 1a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA.

Long-acting reversible contraception is an underutilized method in low-resource areas. Our study aims to: (a) assess knowledge and attitudes around contraception; (b) identify barriers to intrauterine device (IUD) uptake; and (c) develop interventions to address this gap in contraceptive care. We conducted focus group discussions with pregnant, postpartum, and reproductive-aged women, males, and health care workers in rural Ghana. Lack of IUD-specific knowledge, provider discomfort with insertion, and incomplete contraceptive counseling contribute to lack of IUD use. Participant- and provider-related barriers contribute to poor uptake of IUDs within the community. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve IUD use.

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