Family Planning Practices among Adolescents: A Case Study from Ghana

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence adolescents' knowledge and Family Planning practises in Ghana's Tema Central sub-metropolis. The importance of family planning in public health is well documented, with benefits such as reducing the number of unintended pregnancies, maternal and child mortality, and the number of abortion episodes among women. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to unique health risks associated with reproduction and sexuality. Despite interventions aimed at increasing their use of family planning, family planning practises among adolescents in Ghana remain low. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study was conducted in all the four adolescent corners situated in the Tema Central Sub-Metropolis. Tema Central Sub-Metropolis is located in the Tema metropolis, at the southern part of Greater Accra Region. A total of 381 adolescents from adolescent service friendly units in the Tema Central sub-metropolis were sampled using cluster sampling technique for the study. Knowledge of adolescents on FP services was analysed descriptively using frequencies, percentages. The Chi-Square statistic was used to estimate differences in FP knowledge and demographic data of respondents. Statistical significance was considered based on p-value <0.05.

There was a high level of awareness of family planning among the adolescents (96.1%). Knowledge on family planning was good among the adolescents (98.4%). Age (P<0.05) and level of education (P<0.05) had significant influence on knowledge on family planning among the adolescents. However, out of the 381 adolescents, only twelve (3.1%) had ever used a FP method in the past and only six were using a FP method at the time of the study. Adolescent general perception of youth friendly services provided for the adolescents was positive.

Despite the adolescents' high level of awareness and knowledge of family planning, their family planning practises were poor. There is the need for the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, non-governmental organisations and all stakeholders to re-strategize to involve the youth in planning of services that will be provided at the adolescent corners.