UTILISATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES IN THE NANUMBA SOUTH DISTRICT OF NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

While Access to family planning services IS improving and communities' sensitization continued, utilisation of family planning continues to be low over the past four years (25.7% for 2011, 19% for 2012, 15.9% in 2013 and 13.9% in 2014). The factors responsible for this low trend are not clear. This study sought to determine utilisation of family planning services in the Nanumba South District to identify the current level of awareness and use, socio- cultural factors and health provider factors that influence utilisation of family planning services. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Structured questionnaires were administered to 303 participants within the ages of 15-49 years in 13 communities. In - depth interviews were conducted among twenty one key informants and four focus group discussions. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used to analyze data. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine associations. •. Awareness of family planning (FP) methods among respondents was high (90%) while (46.1 %) were using some form of FP methods. Awareness of FP, sex, age, education, religion, participants in marital relationship, sexual partners discussing of FP, readiness to use FP in future and side effects were found to be significant predictors of contraceptive use. The desire to get pregnant (49.2%), desire to have more children (45.8%), FP not good (30%), fear of side effects (23.3%) were main reasons for non use. Male Sexual partners' opposition to FP use, peers, culture, FP source, counselling, FP providers' attitudes and FP access were not significant predictors of FP use. In conclusion, FP awareness is common and actual use of contraceptives was almost average (46.1 %). Reasons for non use is related to socio-cultural and fertility. District Health Management Team should prioritise public education on benefits of using FP. District Education Office should promote basic education, among young females as vital step to address school dropout and illiteracy rates so that young females will grow to be able to take proper control of their reproductive issues.