Determinants of contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years in Ghana: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

Objective There is a decline in contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried young women in Ghana. This study assessed the prevalence of contraceptive knowledge and use, and the determinant of contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried young women in Ghana.Design This was a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, using data from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey. Weighted logistic regression was used to assess the association between background and obstetric characteristics of young women and contraceptive use.Setting Ghana.Participants A total of 809 sexually active unmarried adolescent girls (15–19 years) and young women (20–24 years).Primary and secondary outcome measures Knowledge and use of both modern and traditional contraceptive methods.Results Knowledge of at least one modern and traditional contractive method was 99.8% and 95.0%, respectively. The prevalence of contraceptive use was 43%—with 34% modern and 9% traditional methods. From the unadjusted analyses, age (p=0.002), past pregnancy (p<0.001), abortion in the past 5 years (p=0.007) and history of childbirth (p=0.025) were independently associated with contraceptive use, whereas education (p=0.072), place of residence (p=0.702), household wealth (p=0.836) and age at first sex (p=0.924) were not independently associated with contraceptive use. In the adjusted analysis, contraceptive use was significantly higher among respondents with secondary education compared with those with primary education (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.49, p=0.017), and was higher among respondents with a history of pregnancy (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.06, p<0.001).Conclusion There is a significant gap between knowledge and use of contraceptives among the study population. While intensifying knowledge of adolescents and young women on contraceptives, adolescent-friendly corners should be established at vantage points to increase utilisation and to prevent societal stigma on young women who access contraceptives services

Profile and Predictors of Adolescent Tobacco use in Ghana: Evidence from the 2017 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). : Profile and Predictors of Adolescent Tobacco use in Ghana

Background: Understanding of predictive factors for tobacco use initiation among adolescents is critical for effective intervention and prevention. In this regard, we aimed to determine the profile, examine associated factors, and show the regional disparities in the use of tobacco products among the youth in Ghana. Method: The study used the 2017 Ghana Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) to obtain tobacco-related information among adolescents in  Junior High Schools across the country. The study used a 2-stage cluster randomized sampling technique to obtain nationally representative data. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of participant’s characteristics and use of tobacco.   Results: Of 6039 targeted respondents, 5664 (93.8%) participated, - 2707 males, 2929 females, and 28 missing with gender. From the unadjusted analysis, age (p=0.001), pocket money (p<0.001), and exposure to SHS at home (p<0.001) were significantly associated with tobacco use.  In the adjusted analysis, age (p=0.002), pocket money (p<0.001), exposure to SHS at home (p<0.001), and being taught about the dangers of tobacco use (p=0.043) were significantly associated with tobacco use. The regional disparities in the use of any tobacco product were 28.3%, 7.0%, and 4.8% in the Savanna/northern zone, middle/forest zone, and Coastal zone respectively. Conclusion: Multiple factors including age, pocket money, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) are identified to be associated with tobacco use among the youth in Ghana. Promoting anti-smoking campaigns in early adolescence, as well as programs targeting early tobacco use can guard the youth against initiating tobacco use