title: Factors influencing the uptake of family planning services in the Talensi District, Ghana.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Usage of family planning services in developing countries have been found to avert unintended pregnancies, reduce maternal and child mortality, however, it's usage still remains low. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the decision of women in fertility age to go for family planning services.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Talensi district in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit 280 residents aged 15-49 years and data was analysed using SPSS version 21.0.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study revealed that 89% (249/280), of respondents were aware of family planning services, 18% (50/280) of respondents had used family planning services in the past. Parity and educational level of respondents were positively associated with usage of family planning services (P<0.05). Major motivating factors to the usage of family planning service were to space children, 94% (47/50) and to prevent pregnancy and sexual transmitted infections 84% (42/50). Major reasons for not accessing family planning services were opposition from husbands, 90% (207/230) and misconceptions about family planning, 83% (191/230).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although most women were aware of family planning services in the Talensi district, the uptake of the service was low. Thus, there is the need for the office of the district health directorate to intensify health education on the benefits of family planning with male involvement. The government should also scale up family planning services in the district to make it more accessible.
authors.affiliation: Ghana Health Service, Talensi district, Upper East Region, Ghana.
authors.forename: Paschal Awingura
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Apanga
authors.affiliation: Ghana Health Service, Talensi district, Upper East Region, Ghana.
authors.forename: Matthew Ayamba
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Adam
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Family planning; Ghana; Talensi district; contraceptives; uptake