Browsing by Author "Gbagbo, F.Y."

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Decision-Making for Induced Abortion in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana
    (African Journal of Reproductive Health, 2015-06) Gbagbo, F.Y.; Amo-Adjei, J.; Laar, A.
    Decision-making for induced abortion can be influenced by various circumstances including those surrounding onset of a pregnancy. There are various dimensions to induced abortion decision-making among women who had an elective induced abortion in a cosmopolitan urban setting in Ghana, which this paper examined. A cross-sectional mixed method study was conducted between January and December 2011 with 401 women who had undergone an abortion procedure in the preceding 12 months. Whereas the quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics, thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The study found that women of various profiles have different reasons for undergoing abortion. Women considered the circumstances surrounding onset of pregnancy, person responsible for the pregnancy, gestational age at decision to terminate, and social, economic and medical considerations. Pressures from partners, career progression and reproductive intentions of women reinforced these reasons. First time pregnancies were mostly aborted regardless of gestational ages and partners’ consent. Policies and programmes targeted at safe abortion care are needed to guide informed decisions on induced abortions. (Afr J Reprod Health 2015; 19[2]: 34-42) Decision-Making for Induced Abortion in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana | Request PDF. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280738008_Decision-Making_for_Induced_Abortion_in_the_Accra_Metropolis_Ghana [accessed Sep 18 2018].
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Motivations for food prohibitions during pregnancy and their enforcement mechanisms in a rural Ghanaian district
    (2015-07-17) Arzoaquoi, S.K.; Essuman, E.E.; Gbagbo, F.Y.; Tenkorang, E.Y.; Soyiri, I.; Laar, A.K.
    Abstract Background Food taboos are known from virtually all human societies and pregnant women have often been targeted. We qualitatively assessed food taboos during pregnancy, its motivating factors, and enforcement mechanisms in the Upper Manya Krobo district of Ghana. Methods This was an exploratory cross sectional study using qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs). Sixteen FGDs were conducted. Participants were purposively selected using the maximum variation sampling technique. Tape recorded FGDs were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Malterudian systematic text condensation technique. Results All the participants were aware of the existence of food prohibitions and beliefs targeting pregnant women in Upper Manya Krobo. The study identified snails, rats, hot foods, and animal lungs as tabooed during pregnancy. Adherence motivators included expectation of safe and timely delivery, avoidance of “monkey babies” (deformed babies); respect for ancestors, parents, and community elders. Enforcement mechanisms identified included constant reminders by parents, family members and significant others. Stigmatization and community sanctions are deployed sparingly. Conclusions Food taboos and traditional beliefs targeting pregnant women exist in Upper Manya Krobo. Pregnant women are forbidden from eating snails, rats, snakes, hot foods and animal lungs. To a large extent, socio-cultural, and to a lesser, health concerns motivate the practice.