Designing strategies to improve family planning uptake among adolescents in selected schools in Atwima District, Ghana

Abstract

Family planning service is an important component of adolescent reproductive health. Adolescence is a time of tremendous opportunity and change. There is therefore the need for programmes that provide information, ensure access to services and develop life skills which are crucial to the future of this population.

The study is experimental design with before and after type on family planning utilization among adolescents. One hundred and sixty (160) adolescents from four (4) selected schools in Atwima District were involved in the study. The main data collection tool was a questionnaire. This had two components: pre-test and post-test questionnaires. These were administered in the four selected schools. The pre-test was done to collect baseline data on knowledge and utilization of family planning service. Health education on family planning services was carried out to improve students’ knowledge. A post-test questionnaire was administered after 14 days of health education intervention. An in-depth key informant interview revealed organizations and individuals involved in adolescent reproductive health. NGO’s which provided services for adolescents were Africa Youth Alliance (AYA) and Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) but they have had little impact since some schools were not covered in their operations. The results indicated that, of the adolescent interviewed, 56% were in SSS 3 and 44% were in SSS 2. 60% of the respondents stated that their problem was their desire to “experiment” with sex. 77.2% of them said they had not received any information on ARH and did not utilize any family planning services. Among the respondents who had ever visited a youth friendly clinic, 90.3% said they benefited from the visit.

The media ranked highest as the channel for information dissemination though drama was the preferred IEC method. 50% of the respondents preferred the latter. Policies and programmes should be put in place to provide access to good quality and teens-friendly adolescent health services, including family planning. IEC programmes should subsequently be intensified to promote utilization of these services. Family laws that compel fathers to provide support for their children should be enforced. Finally, more adolescent peer-counselors should be trained to promote healthier life styles, including family planning among adolescents.