Title:
The Use of Modern Contraception in the Northern Region of Ghana
Authors:
Abdulai, Faridatu Njelba
Year:
2013
PAGE:
xi, 48
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Modern Contraception, Northern Region, Ghana, Total Fertility Rate
Abstract:
Problem: The Northern Region has a high total fertility rate with its consequences of high maternal mortality and morbidity, high infant mortality and the practice of unsafe abortion as a result of unintended pregnancies. Analysing the use of contraception, in order to make recommendations would help address the problem. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to analyse environmental, population characteristics, health behaviours and outcomes associated with the use of modern contraception. Successful interventions elsewhere were also analysed. Methods: a literature review was conducted and the modified Anderson-Newman Behavioural model was utilised for the analysis. Results: Some factors found to affect the use of modern contraception include environmental factors such as policies that encourage abstinence, and limit the provision of certain methods to certain cadres of staff. Population level characteristics found include low levels of education and literacy, unequal power relations between couples, misconceptions about contraception, inadequate funding, and inability to access and afford services, limited choice and inadequate activities to generate demand. Health behaviours identified include the preference of short term methods and outcomes such as side effects were found to be associated with the use of modern contraception. The Matlab project which brought contraceptive services to the doorstep of couples combined with a strong educational campaign and Rwanda’s’ performance-based financing, health insurance, community based distribution and education were interventions found to be effective. Conclusion: It was concluded that some policies that restricted the provision of certain contraceptives to certain cadres of staff and enabled some providers to be judgemental, low educational levels, limited reproductive autonomy for women, misconceptions about contraception, side effects, few activities to generate demand and limited availability of youth friendly services was associated with the use of contraception. The suboptimal implementation of service delivery, inadequate and lack of funding and competent staff were also found to correlate with the use of contraception. Recommendations: It was recommended that adequate funds should be released timely and cost of contraception should be included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Also, the social component of service delivery, better education to address misconceptions and side effects, training to update skills of staff, motivational packages to attract and retain staff, regular supervision, monitoring and evaluation should be strengthened. At the individual level, educating influential members of the community such as religious leaders, improving educational levels and activities to involve men are recommended.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Ghana, Republic of
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2013 Abdulai
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
A9Wdit9OUJ_20161026134556240.pdf