Improving family planning utilization in the Agona District
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Date
2005-11-09
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Abstract
Ghana adopted a population policy aimed at reducing the rate of growth of the population from 3.0% in 1970 to 1.7% by the year 2000. However, thirty years after adopting the policy, there have been no signs that the target has been achieved.
Agona district has an estimated population of 172,724 according to the 2000 population census figures released in 2002 with an annual growth rate of 2.55%
The District Health Management Team (DHMT) has identified low utilization of family planning as a matter of urgency, because even though the annual growth rate is lower than the national figure of 3.1% it is higher than the Regional average figure of 1.8% and an average 18% teenage pregnancy trend since 2002. This had had very serious multiplying effects on health and other socio- economic conditions.
A descriptive cross sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the current level of utilization; assess the factors for the trend and recommend strategies for policy update. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected for analysis. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents for the study while purposive sampling was used to collect data from focal persons at the family planning clinics.
The results of the study showed that the sub districts were not empowered enough to provide all methods. People tend to listen to friends more than technical advice from care providers. Religion and culture did not affect family planning utilization negatively Lack of knowledge resulting in rumoured side effects associated with family planning was a serious concern.
The study therefore recommended that mass education campaign should be undertaken through collaborative efforts of the health, information and education sectors since majority of the respondents said enough education on the on the effective, possible side effects of the various FP methods will allay their fears and thereby increase utilization. Mobile family planning programme should be focused because most of the respondents asked if we were ready to provide them with the FP services. Sub district should also be empowered to provide all FP methods
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Board of Postgraduates Studies, Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the award of Degree
of Master of Science in Health Services Planning and Management, 2005