Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing contraceptive use among men
and women in the Ho Municipality in the Volta Region, Ghana.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey. A total of 340 respondents, men
and women were randomly selected from the sub-municipalities in Ho for the study. The tool for data
collection included structured questionnaires. Data were collected on socio-demographics and barriers
to contraceptives use. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 software. The Chi-square test was
used to determine the statistical association (P<0.05) of demographic characteristics and the utilisation
of family planning contraceptives
Findings: The results show that the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents associated with
contraceptives use were age (P=0.04), educational status (P=0.05), religious denomination (P=0.02)
and marital status (P=0.03). Also, the barriers to contraceptives use in this study included partner’s
disapproval, religious and cultural beliefs, poor quality of service and poor attitudes of health workers,
side effects of some contraceptives, lack of means of transport, lack of sexual satisfaction when using
contraceptives and forgetfulness to use contraceptives during sexual intercourse.
Conclusion: In conclusion, there is the need for nurses and other health workers to continuously
educate people about the importance of contraceptives use in order to disabuse the misconceptions
people hold about contraception. It is also important for family planning services providers to extend
services to both men and women in the reproductive age in the Ho municipality.