Mass media exposure and the use of contraceptives among married men and women in selected households in Obuasi-East district

Abstract

To control the fertility of a country, family planning and the use of contraceptives have been introduced into the country to ensure the prevention of unplanned pregnancy. The study was designed to find out the effects of mass media on the use of contraceptives among married men and women in Obuasi-East District. The study was conducted qualitatively using the case study design. The study sampled 15 married men and women using the purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The data was collected through an interview session and analysed thematically on emerging patterns and also from the research questions. The study revealed that participants had in-depth knowledge on contraceptives. The study confirmed that there are different dimensions of perspectives held by male and female participants. The frequency of information and education from the mass media have reduced significantly compared to previous years. Again, the study established that challenges such as shyness as a result of stereotypes and scarcity of some contraceptives are challenges faced by participants when accessing contraceptives. Finally, the study found out that relevant and authentic information on contraceptives is aired on mass media which serves as a major catalyst when it comes to the effect mass media has on the use of contraceptives. The study concluded that mass media has a significant effect on the use of contraceptives among married men and women and recommends that mass media frequently educate the general public on the use of contraceptives.