ABSTRACTContraceptives refer to any family planning method used to prevent pregnancy. This may include the use of various devices, drugs, sexual practices, or surgical procedures to prevent pregnancy. This is achievable by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. Limiting knowledge of family planning services to the …
See more
ABSTRACTContraceptives refer to any family planning method used to prevent pregnancy. This may include the use of various devices, drugs, sexual practices, or surgical procedures to prevent pregnancy. This is achievable by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. Limiting knowledge of family planning services to the Family Planning unit coupled with the unwillingness to discuss issues pertaining to family planning or their sexual lives with colleague health workers, influences on a large extent their reaction and patronage to the family planning products. Also, attention on knowledge, attitude and patronage of family planning services has mostly been on patients rather than the health workers. This research, therefore, is focused on identifying the enablers and barriers of contraception usage among female health workers at the Tano South municipality with its attendant challenges. It also intends to make recommendations for improvements to meet the family planning needs of the female health workers. The qualitative exploratory study design was employed among health workers in their reproductive age (20-49 years) who resided and work in the district and falls within the study population. Convenience sampling was employed in selected participants. There was no sample size calculation, be that inquiries were made until saturation took place. A one-on-one in-depth interview guide was used to collect data from female health workers who are in their reproductive age. The study findings revealed that the knowledge and awareness level of female health workers was adequate. Also, religion and culture had no role among the barriers to contraceptives. Menstrual interference, weight gain and other severe complications such as dizziness, cancer and fibroid were the perceived barriers and side effects to contraceptives utilization among health workers. To achieve a universal health cove rage and reduce maternal mortality, there is the need to intensify education and communication activities to motivate the population to practice modern contraceptives. Finally, stakeholders and manufacturers should revisit short and long-term contraceptive complications addressed by respondents.
See less
