Background

Unintended pregnancy

About 80 million unintended pregnancies are estimated to occur worldwide annually and in developing countries more than one-third of all pregnancies are considered unintended and about 19 % will end up in abortion, which are most often unsafe accounting for 13 % of all maternal deaths globally [1, 2]. Two-thirds of unintended pregnancies in developing countries occur among women who are not using any method of contraception. This indicates the failure to take necessary decisions to prevent and avoid unwanted pregnancies [3].

Globally, 50 million women resort to induced abortion which ultimately results in high maternal morbidity and mortality. In 2007, an estimated 536,000 maternal deaths occurred globally with 1 % in developed countries and 50 % in Sub-Saharan Africa [4].

Contraceptive uptake

Contraceptive uptake is low in rural areas and lag behind urban populations [5]. In Ghana, urban–rural fertility differences range from two to three [6]. The poorest rural wealth quintiles have modern contraceptive levels ranging from less than 5 % to about 15 % of eligible women [7]. Current evidence shows slow progress in expanding the use of contraceptives by women of low socioeconomic status [8].

Access to contraceptives can also be inhibited by certain provider practices such as use of excessively restrictive medical criteria or provider bias against certain methods; these practices are often referred to as medical barriers. Therefore, identifying and addressing these barriers may facilitate improvements in quality of care and subsequently uptake of family planning services. While quality of family planning services may be good, clients report barriers such as misinformation and provider disrespect [9]. In other words, lack of education materials or being misinformed, and showing no dignity for clients were considered as barriers to accessing family planning and other health delivery services.

Benefits of family planning

Family planning can reduce the number of deaths among women by reducing the number of women who are at risk by averting unintended pregnancy, which accounts for about 30 % of all births in Sub-Saharan Africa [10]. Therefore, family planning can reduce maternal mortality though access to quality of service is a major concern [11]. Other benefits of family planning include prevention of cancers and sexually transmitted diseases [12].

The benefits are well established [13, 14]. In some African countries, about one-third of women’s need for family planning is unmet, such as Rwanda with 38 % and Uganda with 41 %. Encouragingly, an analysis of survey data showed a significant level of women with unmet need who had never used family planning intended to do so [15].

Birth spacing

The growing use of contraception around the world has given couples the ability to choose the number and spacing of their children which have tremendous lifesaving benefits. Yet despite these impressive gains, contraceptive use is still low and the need for contraception high in some of the world poorest and most populous places [16]. In the past 20 years alone, maternal deaths in developing countries have been reduced by 40 % [17]. Family planning programmes have been effective in the past and have played a major part in increasing the use of contraception from 10 to 60 % and reducing average fertility in developing countries from 6 to 3 births per woman [18].

Unmet needs

Fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa remain high and more than twice the global average [19–21]. Women who prefer spacing births but are not using contraception are considered to have unmet need [22]. While access also to affordable modern methods of contraception is sometimes a problem, many women reported other reasons for not using family planning, such as not perceiving themselves at risk of pregnancy because they did not have sex frequently, were going through menopause or were lactating. But these situations do not offer protection against pregnancy in all cases [23].

Accessibility

Women living in urban areas may have greater access to a wide variety of contraceptive services and methods as compared to rural women [24]. In this light, it is obvious that the poor cannot access family planning counselling and other services, due to high cost and proximity accounting for unmet needs and low family planning coverage.

Facilitating access to modern contraceptives for women with unmet needs has the potential benefit of improving maternal child health and reducing mortalities [12, 25–28].

This study was to assess knowledge, attitude, perceptions and practices of providers, whilst attempting to understand the perspectives, needs and motivations of clients that may help address barriers to uptake and adherence to family planning standard and procedures.

Methods

A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was designed to collect information on knowledge, attitude and practices in provision of family planning services among women of reproductive age and service providers in the Akwapim North District. The district has an estimated population of 122,063 and 3.1 % growth rate. There are two hospitals, seven health centres and sixteen Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds. There is an estimated 28,075 women in the fertility age, with family planning coverage of roughly 27 %.

Sampling of study participants

The sample size for the study was computed as follows: The population proportion formula: n = z2*p*(1-p)/d2, was applied, where n is the desired sample size, z is the standard normal deviate at the 95 % confidence level, p is the proportion of women who assessed family planning services in the study area and d is degree of accuracy desired; and. Thus using z = 1.96, p = 0.27, and d = 0.05, the calculated sample size for clients (women in reproductive age) was 303.

From the district records, 7,580 clients were active family planning users in 2012. Therefore, applying the finite population correction factor, where n1 is the required sample size; and N is the population of clients who utilizes family planning services; a final sample size of 291 was estimated. The study population comprised women of reproductive age (15–49 years) who sought family planning services regardless of their reproductive status and they have to be residents in the district.

Study population

The study population for this research is defined as women of reproductive age (15–49 years) resident in the district who receive family planning services and providers who offer family planning services made up of mostly midwives and nurses. They included current family planning users and other women seeking ANC, post-partum and STI services. Also forming part of the study population were midwives and community health nurses who are providers of family planning services. Family planning services are accessed in these comprehensive clinics that provide family planning as part of inclusive health delivery. As a result of cultural stigmatization associated with family planning accessibility, most women prefer seeking services in clinics where FP services are provided alongside with other services. This is deliberately arranged to prevent being stigmatized for only family planning. In other words, it is shrouded in secrecy. In this study sixty eight (68) clients were identified as current family planning users as indicated in Tables 2 and 3.

All midwives and community health nurses in the study area were interviewed for information on access and utilization of family planning services among women of reproductive age. Exit-interviews were conducted with women attending family planning clinic and ante-natal care (ANC). A combined checklist and structured questionnaire were used to collect information from service providers while structured questionnaire were administered to clients. Clients responded in English and local dialects for those who required translation. Information was kept confidential and names of participants were not included in the analysis or reported in the study results.

Quality control

Data were checked for completeness and accuracy. Regular verification and validation of data were done with all inconsistencies being checked and resolved with the research assistants and data entry clerks. The data were entered using EPIDATA 3.1 software and imported to statistical software, STATA version 11.

To ensure quality and validity of data, the following measures were put in place. Research assistants with requisite background were recruited and trained on data collection guidelines. The survey was administered by the authors and assisted by trained research assistants. Collected data were checked to ensure that all questions were answered. Probing was done where necessary during interviewing.

Errors detected were discussed and necessary corrections made. Every questionnaire was marked to prevent double entry. Financial constraints - funds were not readily available. Access to some parts of study area was very difficult due to the poor nature roads. Some measures were taken which included researchers being objective in dealing with respondents, financing of the study was from researchers’ own resources and managed to get to catchments areas by their own means of transport.

Ethical review

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ghana Health Service’s Ethical Review Committee and permission was sought from the District Health Administration. All participants were assured of anonymity and confidentiality and participation was voluntary. They were assured that the results will purely be used for research purposes.

Results

Background characteristics of family planning clients

The majority of family planning clients in the exit-interview (48.7 %) were aged 25–34 years, 30.1 % were aged 15–24 years, and 19.0 % were aged 35–44 years (Table 1). Out of the total (269), 42.8 % were married and 40.5 % cohabited. The remaining 16.7 % were either single, or never married. 67.7 % of the women had Middle/Junior High level of education and 24.9 % and 20.8 % had parity of two and four respectively. The modal number of children alive was two children (26.0 %) followed by one child (21.9 %).

Table 1 Basic Demographic characteristics of Family Planning Clients (N = 269)
Full size table

Current family planning clients assessment of provider knowledge and skills (N = 68)

Table 2 shows the results of assessment of knowledge and skills of family planning services of providers from the clients’ perspectives. Clients were asked about the desire to have children before the introduction of family planning service. Women who desired children in the future accounted for 75.1 % (51), a sizable percentage while 23.0 % indicated no desire for future children. In terms of hand-outs for FP materials, (IEC) 79.2 % said they were not provided with them. As much as 93.3 % said they would have liked to receive hand-outs. About 88.9 % accounted for those who were talked to about family planning. On the discussion of new methods by providers, 50 % of clients did not indicate affirmation. Not all participants were existing family planning service users. Some of the women were ante-natal patients and may not have been exposed to family planning before their visits to the clinics. Still, some could have been first time mothers, with unplanned pregnancies who may not have used family planning at all in their lives but desired to do so shortly or in the future. All participants were exposed to family planning information before they exited the clinics or health centres. While most (88.2 %) used injectables, only 6.1 % and 0.9 % used Implants and IUD, respectively. A large proportion (98.3 %) said the waiting time was reasonable and 94.4 % said they would recommend the facility to a friend for family planning services.

Table 2 Current Family Planning Clients’ Assessment of Provider Knowledge and Skills (N = 68)
Full size table

Level of satisfaction of FP services by current FP clients

All current family planning clients said they were satisfied with discussions on problems and concerns, explanation given, quality of examination, visual and auditory privacy, cleanliness and interaction with facility staff as indicated in Table 3.

Table 3 Level of satisfaction of FP services by current FP clients
Full size table

Characteristics of FP facilities and service providers (N = 70)

Table 4 shows the basic characteristics of family planning facilities and service providers. The number of FP providers interviewed was 70. A proportion of 82.1 % were females, 78.9 % constituted Community Health Nurses (CHN) and 49.1 % had been in their current position for up to 2 years. Their mean age was 31.5 years with a standard deviation of 9.8 years.

Table 4 Characteristics of FP facilities and service providers (N = 70)
Full size table

FP service provision from provider perspective

Table 5 indicates family planning service provision from the perspective of the provider. Most (75.4 %) said they receive their supplies monthly. About 77.2 % provided information, counselling, short term method and with 91.2 % interested in long term methods. As much as 73.7 % indicated facing challenges including improper facility layout and lack of furniture.

Table 5 FP Service Provision from Provider Perspective
Full size table

Discussions

Socio-demographic profile

Most of the women (48.7 %) aged 25–34 and were either married (42.8 %) or cohabiting (40.5 %). This means that most of the women are in active reproductive age and in active nuptial union. Majority of these women also have more middle/Junior high level of schooling with a parity of two. This revealed that, those who had received some level of formal education are in the majority, compared to those without any form of education. Studies have shown that, further educational and class differences between clients and providers often limit clients’ ability to access services [29].

Confidentiality and privacy

The desire to have more children supports a study done in the region of Tigray which showed that African men generally, desire more children because of social and economic benefits. Studies have shown that clients, particularly those who obtain services in secret, report higher satisfaction with providers who keep their needs and personal information confidential [30]. Therefore, lack of privacy can violate women’s sense of modesty and make it more difficult to participate actively in family planning services.

Though clients generally indicate satisfaction about counselling, quality of examination, cleanliness of facility and treatment, some 6.0 % and 4.5 % were dissatisfied about auditory and visual privacy respectively. In a similar study in Zambia, clients based their judgment on how thoroughly they were examined due to confidentiality and privacy [31]. In Chile, all but one respondent mentioned the facility’s cleanliness as a sign of the quality of the clinic’s services [32].

Cultural perspective and family planning services

It was also revealed [33] that in a few places, obtaining and using contraceptives can be a difficult and risky decision that can lead to abandonment, violence, ostracism, or divorce hence women need assurance of absolute confidentiality. This result is similar to a recent research in which clients’ perspectives on services they receive are essential part of understanding and assessing quality of care [34]. Other studies have shown that, clients’ perceptions are shaped by their cultural values, previous experiences, perceptions of the role of the health system and interactions with providers. Their perceptions affect how clients view the risks and benefits of care [35].

Again, studies have shown that clients may also indicate that they are satisfied with care because they want to please the interviewer, worry that care may be withheld in the future, or have some cultural or other reason to fear complaining [36]. Many clients have limited options and have never experienced any other standards of care.

Provider and client relationship

The results show that, the providers were able to build a good rapport with their clients by greeting and introducing themselves. This finding contradicts that in a study by [9] where providers failed to greet clients in a respectful or friendly manner and generally displayed negative attitudes towards clients. In many societies, courtesy is a sign that the client is regarded as the provider’s equal. Research shows that the provider’s tone, manner, and modes of speech are important to clients [37–39].

Studies found that women are more likely to seek out and continue using family planning services if they receive respectful and friendly treatment [11, 32, 40], as cited in [33, 41]. A good proportion of the clients (38.6 % and 32.9 %) were not asked about previous pregnancy/reproductive and family planning history respectively.

Information and educational materials

Results from the checklist shows that greater proportions (61.4 %) of them were not provided with educational hand-outs. This confirms the result from the client exit interview where most (79.2 %) of the clients said they were not given family planning materials. Some 22.8 % were not willing to provide FP counselling and short term methods though most (88.3 %) of the clients are on injectables (short-term). About 26.3 % of the providers said they face challenges in the provision of services and majority (91.2 %) prescribed long term methods. Research has shown that providing more complete and accurate counselling that is tailored to the client’s needs, including providing hand-outs has been associated with higher levels of client satisfaction, as well as higher contraceptive prevalence and client retention [36].

Limitation of the study

This study is not without limitations. The sensitive nature of some questions may have resulted in some bias. Thus there could be the possibility of reporting behaviours that are socially desirable. Subjectivity which could have resulted in bias, in an effort to relegate our values and beliefs to the background, when dealing with respondents. However, the purpose of the study was explained to the best of our ability. This was done to prepare participants to provide objective views to help improve family planning services in the community.

Conclusions and recommendations

Although family planning clients show a general satisfaction about the provision of family planning services, it was clear that providers were not following the standard or protocols when attending to clients. These depend on the counselling skills, adherence to principles in phases and steps during encounter with clients.

Family planning clients in study area do not identify any negative attitude of service providers that hinder access to family planning services but were concerned about their visual and auditory privacy. This was again confirmed by service providers who said the facility layout is a challenge in service provision. Identifying the problems, retraining providers, and using clear protocols for engaging clients resulted in much improved client-provider interactions and addressed the needs of clients, providers, and program managers.

Finding ways to enhance client privacy through good facility layout for visual and auditory privacy, increase provider skills and expertise to ensure all phases and steps in family planning counselling (rapport building, exploration, decision making and implementing the decision) are followed. This could be done through good supervision and refresher courses. Training is especially needed to equip providers offer short and long term services to enhance and scale up family planning services in communities.