Exploring misinformation of family planning practices and methods among deaf people in Ghana

Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah,Patricia Anafi,Paul Yaw Addai Yeaboah

doi:10.1080/09688080.2017.1332450

Abstract

Having a good knowledge of family planning methods is vital for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality resulting from unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. In this paper, we highlight deaf people’s ability to discern various misconceptions about pregnancy, with the aim of assessing their level of knowledge on pregnancy prevention methods. The article is derived from a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs assessment involving participants residing in two cities and a senior high school in Ghana. The needs assessment involved three focus groups with 26 participants, a survey with 152 respondents, and an interview with one health professional. Apart from the health professional, all the remaining participants were deaf people. Findings from the study indicated that more than half the participants lacked familiarity with pregnancy prevention methods. The findings of this study confirm other studies that there is a general lack of knowledge on SRH issues among deaf people in Ghana. Thus, although this study focused on prevention of unwanted pregnancy, which is just one component of SRH issues, the study provides insights into the broader SRH needs of the deaf community and calls for making these issues visible for policy-making.

Highlights

Unintended pregnancy is a major medical, social, and public health problem, often resulting in unsafe abortions and deaths
This paper explored the level of knowledge on pregnancy prevention among deaf adults and adolescents in Ghana
The findings show a general lack of knowledge on pregnancy prevention methods among the respondents

Summary

Introduction

Unintended pregnancy is a major medical, social, and public health problem, often resulting in unsafe abortions and deaths. Studies indicate that the proportion of women reporting unintended (unwanted and mistimed) pregnancies and unmet need for contraception remains high in developing countries and many women are dying annually from pregnancy-related complications, of which 99% occur in developing countries.[1] It is estimated that 14 million unintended pregnancies occur in sub-Saharan Africa every year, with almost half occurring among young women aged 15–24 years.[2] a 2015 report indicated that 69% of births in Ghana in 2014 were planned, indicating a 7% decline of unintended pregnancies from 2008, the proportion of unintended pregnancies is still high; 24% of pregnancies in 2014 were mistimed and 7% were unwanted.[3]. Planning has been prioritised by many governments as a strategy to assist women to avoid adverse effects of unplanned pregnancies.[4]. Modern contraceptive methods provide safer and more effective ways of preventing pregnancies and allowing couples to exercise their rights and make responsible reproductive decisions.[5]

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