Browsing by Author "Eliason, S."
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Item Determinants of modern family planning use among women of reproductive age in the Nkwanta district of Ghana: A case-control study(Reproductive Health, 2014-08) Eliason, S.; Awoonor-Williams, J.K.; Eliason, C.; Novignon, J.; Nonvignon, J.; Aikins, M.Background: Average contraceptive prevalence rate in the Nkwanta district of Ghana was estimated to be 6.2% relative to the national average at the time, of 19%. While several efforts had been made to improve family planning in the country, the district still had very low use of modern family planning methods. This study sought to determine the factors that influenced modern family planning use in general and specifically, the factors that determined the consistently low use of modern family planning methods in the district. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in the Nkwanta district of Ghana to determine socio-economic, socio-cultural and service delivery factors influencing family planning usage. One hundred and thirty cases and 260 controls made up of women aged 15-49 years were interviewed using structured questionnaires. A logistic regression was fitted. Results: Awareness and knowledge of modern family planning methods were high among cases and controls (over 90%). Lack of formal education among women, socio-cultural beliefs and spousal communication were found to influence modern family planning use. Furthermore, favourable opening hours of the facilities and distance to health facilities influenced the use of modern contraceptives. Conclusion: While modern family planning seemed to be common knowledge among these women, actual use of such contraceptives was limited. There is need to improve use of modern family planning methods in the district. In addition to providing health facilities and consolidating close-to-client service initiatives in the district, policies directed towards improving modern family planning method use need to consider the influence of formal education. Promoting basic education, especially among females, will be a crucial step as the district is faced with high levels of school dropout and illiteracy rates. © 2014 Eliason et al.Item Determinants of modern family planning use among women of reproductive age in the Nkwanta district of Ghana: a case¿control study(2014-08-13) Eliason, S.; Awoonor-Williams, J.K.; Eliason, C.; Novignon, J.; Nonvignon, J.; Aikins, M.Abstract Background Average contraceptive prevalence rate in the Nkwanta district of Ghana was estimated to be 6.2% relative to the national average at the time, of 19%. While several efforts had been made to improve family planning in the country, the district still had very low use of modern family planning methods. This study sought to determine the factors that influenced modern family planning use in general and specifically, the factors that determined the consistently low use of modern family planning methods in the district. Methods A case–control study was conducted in the Nkwanta district of Ghana to determine socio-economic, socio-cultural and service delivery factors influencing family planning usage. One hundred and thirty cases and 260 controls made up of women aged 15–49 years were interviewed using structured questionnaires. A logistic regression was fitted. Results Awareness and knowledge of modern family planning methods were high among cases and controls (over 90%). Lack of formal education among women, socio-cultural beliefs and spousal communication were found to influence modern family planning use. Furthermore, favourable opening hours of the facilities and distance to health facilities influenced the use of modern contraceptives. Conclusion While modern family planning seemed to be common knowledge among these women, actual use of such contraceptives was limited. There is need to improve use of modern family planning methods in the district. In addition to providing health facilities and consolidating close-to-client service initiatives in the district, policies directed towards improving modern family planning method use need to consider the influence of formal education. Promoting basic education, especially among females, will be a crucial step as the district is faced with high levels of school dropout and illiteracy rates.Item Health-seeking experiences of women with obstetric fistula: a qualitative study at two fistula centres in Ghana(BMJ Open, 2023) Asiedua, E.; Maya, E.; Ganle, J.K.; Eliason, S.; Ansah-Ofei, A.M.; Senkyire, E.K.; Adanu, R.Objectives The study explored the health-seeking experiences of women with obstetric fistula from the onset of the condition until surgical treatment was obtained. It also describes their interactions with health staff and traditional healers. Design Exploratory, descriptive qualitative study. Setting Two secondary-level health facilities in the northern and central regions of Ghana; data collection took place in 2018–2019. Participants A purposive sample of 37women who had experienced fistula resulting from childbirth and were awaiting fistula repair at the two fistula centres in Ghana was obtained. Data analysis Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Health-seeking experiences and behaviours of women with obstetric fistula were identified. Six major themes were generated: attribution and perceptions of fistula; competing alternatives/multiple sources of care; limited awareness and access to care; financial barriers; psychosocial challenges, and abuse by healers. The results indicate that the health-seeking experiences of women with obstetric fistula were characterised by long delays in care-seeking. The major themes and subthemes are presented with quotes from participants. Conclusion The women experienced winding pathways of treatment-seeking due to lack of awareness and incorrect attribution. The major barriers to health-seeking included poverty, challenges with transportation and inadequate repair centres. Increased awareness of obstetric fistula and access to repair centres could shorten the suffering women go through while awaiting fistula treatment. Improved awareness of obstetric fistula and establishment of more fistula centres would be beneficial.