Determining the factors that influence utilization of family planning services in the Kwaso Sub District, Ejisu-Juaben District, (Ashanti) Ghana
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Date
2004-11-14
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Abstract
Family planning (FP) is a cost effective health intervention that has immediate benefits for women, children and families. However, in the Kwaso sub district for the past five years, 1998-2002, the family planning acceptor rate has never exceeded 13%. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the factors responsible for this low acceptor rate.
A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out over a three-month period. A total number of 150 persons, all women in their reproductive age of 15-49 were interviewed using structured questionnaires to assess their practices, beliefs and attitudes towards family planning.
The findings of the study revealed that 22% of the respondents were currently using a family planning method. Education was found to be positively related to contraceptive use. The major reason for non-use of contraceptives was lack of intensive education on family planning followed by the fear of side effects. Thirty percent of the respondents discussed the use of family planning with health workers. Child spacing is greatly valued but fertility regulation to some extent was seen as a woman’s responsibility.
It is therefore being recommended that Information, Education and Communication activities on family planning should be intensified through community durbars and identified male and female groups to dispel misconceptions, such as contraceptives use resulting in infertility and deformed babies, and allay fears about side effects. Awareness on the importance of spousal communication and male involvement in reproductive health issues should also be promoted.
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A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, School of Medical Sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Health Services Planning and Management, 2004