Глобальный журнал биологии, сельского хозяйства и медицинских наук

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ABORTION: CONTEMPORARY VIEWS OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ACCRA, GHANA

Cynthia Gadegbeku* & Jennifer Akoto - Bamfo

The main objective of the study was to assess Senior High School students’ views on abortion. Data was collected from 300 students, using purposive sampling. The data collection tool employed was a questionnaire. The study assessed students’ knowledge and use of abortion methods, investigated their source of information, evaluated their knowledge of complications of abortion and identified barriers associated with the youth accessing reproductive health services. It was realized that all respondents (100%) had knowledge about abortion; felt it was illegal and were unaware that the act was legal to an extent in Ghana. Most respondents indicated abortion should not be legalized in Ghana mainly because it would increase promiscuity. Ninety percent (90%) of respondents were aware of a variety of abortion methods with the main ones being traditional methods. Respondents received abortion information mainly from their friends or peers (53%). The majority (90%) felt abortion should not be legalized but then they would opt for it if the need arose mainly because of their desire to continue schooling, to avoid shame, dishonor and stigmatization. Most respondents indicated the key complication of abortion was death. The main barriers associated with the youth accessing reproductive health services were lack of knowledge (59%). It was recommended that intensive reproductive health education be organized for the youth on abortion and other reproductive health issues by the Ghana Health Service and other relevant stakeholders; sex education be instituted at an early grade in the school system. Peers counselors should be trained in each Senior High School to extend reproductive health information. The mass media should also increase its coverage of reproductive health issues. Reproductive health centers, programs and services should also be designed to be youth friendly.