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Exploring Adolescents’ (Non-)Use of Modern Contraceptives in Ghana Through the Lens of the Theory of Gender and Power

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Abstract

Despite the benefits of modern contraceptives, its usage is low among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Based on the theory of gender and power, this study explored adolescents’ (non-)use of contraceptives in the context of their sexual and reproductive health. Data were collected from adolescents (15–19 years) through focus group discussions as well as through interviews with five key informants. The collected data were investigated through thematic analysis. The study revealed that gender and power influenced adolescents sexual behavior. Both young men and young women engaged in risky sexual behavior, which exposed them to unintended pregnancy. Whereas some young women engaged in risky sexual behaviors due to financial reasons, young men engaged in such behaviors for pleasure. Lack of knowledge about the correct use of modern contraceptives, type of sexual relationship, and cultural norms of adolescent girls’ appropriate sexual behavior influenced the use of contraceptives by adolescent girls. Avoiding pregnancy could be easier for adolescent girls if only they could have easy access to more long-term and reliable contraceptive methods. Education on the need to use condoms during sexual intercourse should be intensified to create awareness about using condoms to avoid sexually transmitted infections in addition to unwanted pregnancy.

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Data Availability

The participants were assured of confidentiality and anonymity; therefore, the data are not available to the public.

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Funding

This study was funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York under the “Building A New Generation of Academics in Africa (BANGA-Africa)” project at the University of Ghana.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

    Sylvia Esther Gyan

  2. Department of Community and Family Planning, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Stephanie Marhefka-Day

Authors
  1. Sylvia Esther Gyan
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  2. Stephanie Marhefka-Day
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SEG was involved in conceptualization, funding, writing, reviewing, and editing. SM helped in conceptualization, reviewing, and supervision.

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Correspondence to Sylvia Esther Gyan.

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Gyan, S.E., Marhefka-Day, S. Exploring Adolescents’ (Non-)Use of Modern Contraceptives in Ghana Through the Lens of the Theory of Gender and Power. Arch Sex Behav 50, 2411–2421 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-01914-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-01914-z

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