title: Barriers to Intrauterine Device Uptake in a Rural Setting in Ghana.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA.
authors.forename: Nuriya
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.affiliation: b Department of Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa.
authors.forename: Mosa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moshabela
authors.affiliation: c Millennium Villages Project , Bonsaaso , Ghana.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Owusu-Ansah
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA.
authors.forename: Chisina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kapungu
authors.affiliation: a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA.
authors.forename: Stacie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Geller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005869:Ghana; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008297:Male; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult