A multivariate analysis of family planning knowledge differentials in rural Ghana (West Africa).

This study examines the knowledge of various methods of birth control among rural Ghanian males. A questionnaire was given to 774 males 15-64 years of age as part of the Danfa Project. Of the 774 respondents 296 (38.2%) reported spontaneously that they knew a methodd or methods which could help postpone pregnancy. When a list of specific methods was read to them another 456 (58.9%) respondents identified 1 or more new or additional methods they claimed to know. The methods known to most were abstinence and oral contraceptives. The most important sources of dissemination of family planning knowledge mentioned were friends and relatives living in towns (38.2%) as well as those living in rural areas (40.2%). The other sources mentioned were family planning health and medical personnel (11.9%) and the radio newspaper and other media (9.7%). Age and relationship to age at 1st marriage did not seem to influence family planning knowledge. Respondents engaged in professional and other white collar occupations scored highest while farmers received the lowest score in family planning knowledge. The Protestant respondents received the highest score on family planning knowledge and the Muslims the lowest. Those having faith in traditional religion scored lower than the Catholics. Respondents belonging to the northern and non Ghanian tribes had the lowest score and those belonging to the Akan tribal group the highest. The higher the level of education attained the higher the score on family planning knowledge. The monogamous respondents were found to have a better knowledge of family planning than those polygamously married. The higher the desire for children the lower the score on family planning knowledge. The considerable in and out migration to and from the study area due to its proximity to the captial city coupled with the enthusiasm of the Ghanian government in establishing and promoting family planning programs may be facets contributing to the increase in family planning knowledge observed in this study when compared to the results of the Ghana National Family Planning/KAP (1968-69) survey data.