Participation in Child Health and Family Planning Activities in Rural Southern Ghana

Abstract

A variety of child health and family planning activities, conducted by the Danfa Project in Ghana, were evaluated from a behavioral standpoint to determine features of programs which encourage participation by village mothers. Interest, intent to participate, and actual participation rates were measured. Contrary to expectations, activities which demand greater participation were more popular than more passive activities which involved lectures. Activities related to child health were better received than family planning activities alone. Barriers to participation which were best predictors of actual participation included “selling goods in town,” “cooking,” or “busy with housework.” That these were ranked by respondents as weak barriers suggests that it didn't take much to dissuade mothers from participation in those activities that they felt had little merit. Study findings suggest a need for greater integration of activities into village schedules, more systematic targetting of activities to high-risk groups, more activities demanding greater participation, and direct promotion of activities through influential individuals (community leaders, traditional healers).