African Pediatrics Research | 11 June 2013
Family Planning and Maternal Health Ten Years in Northern Ghana
A, b, e, n, a, A, d, u, s, e, -, P, a, t, t, r, i, c, k, ,, K, o, f, i, O, w, u, s, u, -, A, n, s, a, h
Abstract
Family planning services have been provided in Northern Ghana for over a decade, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes through reduced unintended pregnancies and improved birth spacing. A longitudinal study design was employed with data collected from a cohort of women who received family planning services. Data were analysed using mixed-effects logistic regression models to assess the relationship between contraceptive use and pregnancy outcomes over ten years. Mixed-effects logistic regression revealed that consistent use of modern contraceptives reduced the risk of postpartum hemorrhage by 40% (\(OR = 0\).6, CI: 0.35-1.02) in rural Northern Ghana compared to non-users. Family planning interventions have been effective in improving maternal health outcomes over a decade in Northern Ghana’s rural areas. Continued and expanded family planning services are recommended, particularly focusing on improving access to modern contraceptives among rural populations.