Knowledge, Acceptance, and Uptake of Family Planning: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Group Antenatal Care in Ghana

Ruth Zielinski (), Samia Abdelnabi, Georgina Amankwah, Vida A. Kukula, Veronica Apetorgbor, Elizabeth Awini, John Williams, Cheryl Moyer, Bidisha Ghosh and Jody R. Lori
Additional contact information
Ruth Zielinski: Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Samia Abdelnabi: Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Georgina Amankwah: Dodowa Health Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa P.O. Box DD1, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Vida A. Kukula: Dodowa Health Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa P.O. Box DD1, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Veronica Apetorgbor: Dodowa Health Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa P.O. Box DD1, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Elizabeth Awini: Dodowa Health Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa P.O. Box DD1, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
John Williams: Dodowa Health Research Center, Ghana Health Service, Dodowa P.O. Box DD1, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Cheryl Moyer: Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Bidisha Ghosh: Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Jody R. Lori: Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-10

Abstract: The use of family planning (FP) methods significantly contributes to improved outcomes for mothers and their offspring. However, the use of FP remains low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A cluster randomized controlled clinical trial was implemented in Ghana, comparing group antenatal care (ANC) with routine care. The group ANC intervention included eight meetings where the seventh group meeting incorporated information and discussion regarding methods of FP. Data collection occurred at five time points: baseline (T0), 34 weeks’ gestation (T1), 6–12 weeks post birth (T2), 5–8 months post birth, and 11–14 months post birth (T4). At T1, there was a significantly greater increase in the knowledge of FP methods as well as the intention to use FP after the birth among the intervention group. The uptake of FP was significantly higher in the intervention group for all post-birth timepoints except for T4 where the control group had significantly higher rates. The reasons for the diminishing effect are unclear. An increasing uptake of FP methods requires a multifaceted approach that includes increasing accessibility, knowledge, and acceptability as well as addressing societal and cultural norms.

Keywords: antenatal care; family planning; Ghana; group antenatal care; group care; sub-Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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