SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR ADOLESCENTS: THE ROLE OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (PPAG) IN THE WEST MAMPRUSI DISTRICT, GHANA.

Abstract

Adolescence constitutes a transitional period between child psychism organization and the result of an adult, mature personality. During this evolutionary phase, the psychic balance is unsettled and the personality is characterized by fluidity. This study was conducted to assess sexual and reproductive health services (SRH) among adolescents: the role of Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) in the West Mamprusi District in the northern region of Ghana. Three research objectives were formulated to serve as a guide to the study. Descriptive cross sectional survey design was used to conduct the study with purposive sampling technique used to sample the schools and PPAG Clinic from the study area. In all 300 respondents were sampled from the study area. Results from the research showed that 88% of the respondents knew that PPAG Clinic was available in the study area and was providing sexual and reproductive health services to people including adolescents. Results also showed that 65.7% respondents stated that they knew about the comprehensive abortion services provided by PPAG clinic at the study area. From the results also, 88% respondents stated that ASRH services being provided by PPAG Clinic were readily available to adolescents. About 95% respondents knew the male condom as a family planning method whilst 36.3% respondents knew IUD as a family planning method. Key informants from the PPAG Clinic identified challenges confronting PPAG in providing ASRH services and information to the people in the study area to include; inadequate finance in carrying out outreach programs often, lack of commitment from adolescents and religious barriers. Advocacy on mass media awareness about the importance of ASRH services would be an ideal choice especially at the study area.