Covert Contraceptive Use amongst the urban poor in Accra, Ghana: experiences of health providers

Abstract

Plain Language summary Sometimes women use contraceptives without the knowledge of their sexual partners. That is to say, they hide their contraceptive use. Many studies have explored why women hide their contraceptive use. Reasons include the desire of men to have absolute control of their women’s bodies including their sexuality and fertility regulation. This occurs in cultures where women do not have as much power as men. In Ghana, as much as one-in-three women hide their contraceptive use from their partners. This study explores the ways in which health facilities assist women to hide their contraceptives use by talking to leaders of units responsible for providing contraceptives in the hospitals. First, people prefer contraceptives like injectables that are not visible on the bodies of those using them. Second, some hospitals have modified their space to provide ample privacy and security for women. Third, some women visit the facilities at odd hours, such as very early in the morning, very late at night and at other favorable times. Sometimes nurses arrange to meet women outside the facility. Lastly, nurses create avenues through various personal relationships. For example, leaving their contacts in market spaces and arranging meeting places with market queens.

Keywords

• Covert Contraceptive Use (CCU)
• Health providers
• Health facilities
• Provider support
• Ghana