Enabling Adolescent to Access Family Planning Services: Perspectives from Rural Communities in Central Ghana

Yeetey A. Enuameh, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Ernest Nettey, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Charlotte Tawiah, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Samuel Afari-Asiedu, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Emmanuel Mahama, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)
Seth Owusu-Agyei, Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC)

Contraceptive use is low, whereas pregnancy levels remain high among adolescents in Ghana. Contraceptive use is known to prevent maternal and infant deaths, but social norms among others inhibit their use by adolescents in most developing countries. Encouraging family planning (FP) uptake among adolescents is vital to reducing maternal (MDG 5) and infant mortality (MDG 4). This paper’s objective was to define the best approaches to satisfying the FP needs of adolescents in the study population. A qualitative study design was used to facilitate the understanding of societal attitudes towards FP delivery to adolescents and identify approaches to FP delivery. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from adolescents, societal representatives and FP providers. Themes that emerged from data analysis with respect to “Perspectives on FP Care Delivery to Adolescents” and “How Best to Address Adolescents’ FP needs” were presented, discussed and supported with quotes.