Resumption of sexual activity and contraceptive use among postpartum women in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

Background : The postpartum period presents challenges to women as they contemplate on the desire to space or limit childbirth while meeting the sexual demands of their partners and their own sexual desires. The study looked at the factors that determine the resumption of sexual activity after delivery and their influence on contraceptive use among postpartum women in the Kumasi metropolis. Method : An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions, on 853 mothers aged 15-49 years, attending child welfare clinics with babies who were up to one (1) year old in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. Results : Majority (76%) of the women initiated sexual intercourse from 6 weeks after delivery but only 34% used contraceptives, despite the 99% awareness of postpartum family planning services. Response to partners’ demand for sex was the most important stimulus for resumption of sexual activity while unavailability of the partner was the main reason for sexual inactivity after delivery. Marital status (AOR: 4.94, CI=2.99-8.15), residence after delivery (AOR: 0.53, CI=0.38-0.76), resumption of menses (AOR= 0.19, CI= 0.13 – 0.27), birth limiting (AOR= 0.68, CI= 0.45 – 0.98), and birth spacing (AOR= 0.40, 95% CI= 0.18– 0.91) significantly predicted resumption of postpartum sexual activity and contraceptive uptake. Conclusion : Reproductive health service providers in the metropolis should highlight the return to fertility and timing of sexual intercourse after delivery, and adopt strategies to demystify the fear of side effects during counselling and provision of Family Planning services.