Lessons from a geospatial analysis of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate sales by licensed chemical sellers in Ghana

Abstract Objectives To map access to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) from licensed chemical sellers (LCS); to estimate the proportion of women of reproductive age in areas with access; and to examine affordability and variability of costs. Methods A geospatial analysis was conducted using d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2015-08, Vol.130 (S3), p.E25-E30
Main Authors: Shelus, Victoria, Lebetkin, Elena, Keyes, Emily, Mensah, Stephen, Dzasi, Kafui
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Commerce - statistics & numerical data
Contraceptive Agents, Female - economics
Contraceptive Agents, Female - therapeutic use
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
Family planning
Female
Geographic information systems
Geography
Geospatial analysis
Ghana
Health Services Accessibility - economics
Health Services Accessibility - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Licensed chemical sellers
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate - economics
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate - therapeutic use
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pharmacies - statistics & numerical data
Prescription Fees - statistics & numerical data
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Objectives To map access to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) from licensed chemical sellers (LCS); to estimate the proportion of women of reproductive age in areas with access; and to examine affordability and variability of costs. Methods A geospatial analysis was conducted using data collected from 298 women who purchased DMPA from 49 geocoded LCS shops in the Amansie West and Ejisu-Juabeng districts of Ghana from June 4 to August 31, 2012. The women reported on cost and average distance traveled to purchase DMPA. Results In Amansie West, 21.1% of all women of reproductive age lived within average walking distance and 80.4% lived within average driving distance of an LCS. In Ejisu-Juabeng, 41.9% and 60.1% of women lived within average walking and driving distance, respectively. Distribution of affordability varied across each district. Conclusions Access to LCS shops is high, and training LCS to administer DMPA would increase access to family planning in Ghana, with associated time and cost savings.
ISSN:0020-7292
1879-3479
DOI:10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.05.007