Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014 - Key Indicators Report

The survey aimed to provide data on key indicators related to fertility, family planning, maternal and child health, and HIV/AIDS. Financial support for the survey was provided by various international organizations, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The survey used a sample design that included a nationally representative sample of households and individuals. Questionnaires were administered to respondents, and blood pressure measurements, anthropometry, anaemia testing, and HIV testing were conducted. A pretest was conducted to assess the quality of the survey instruments, and field staff were trained to administer the questionnaires and conduct the tests. Fieldwork was conducted from March to August 2014, and data processing was completed in April 2015. The survey found that the response rate was high, with 99.8% of eligible households and 98.5% of eligible individuals responding to the survey. The survey also found that the majority of respondents were women, with a median age of 25 years. The survey found that fertility rates were high, with a total fertility rate of 4.2 children per woman. Teenage pregnancy and motherhood were also common, with 15% of women aged 20-24 having given birth before the age of 18. The survey found that family planning was not widely used, with only 22% of currently married women and 14% of sexually active unmarried women using a modern method of contraception. The survey also found that the need and demand for family planning was high, with 44% of currently married women and 53% of sexually active unmarried women expressing a desire to space or limit their childbearing. The survey found that maternal care was inadequate, with only 44% of women receiving antenatal care and 34% receiving tetanus toxoid injections. Delivery care was also inadequate, with only 23% of women delivering in a health facility. Postnatal care for the mother was also inadequate, with only 14% of women receiving postnatal care. The survey found that child health and nutrition were also inadequate, with only 44% of children receiving all the recommended vaccinations. Childhood acute respiratory infection, fever, and diarrhoea were common, with 23% of children experiencing these symptoms in the two weeks preceding the survey. Nutritional status of children was also poor, with 34% of children being underweight and 21% being stunted. The survey found that anaemia prevalence was high among children and women, with 44% of children and 34% of women having anaemia. Ownership and use of mosquito nets were also low, with only 22% of households owning a mosquito net and 14% of children and pregnant women using an insecticide-treated net. The survey found that HIV/AIDS awareness, knowledge, and behaviour were also inadequate, with only 44% of respondents knowing that HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex. Coverage of HIV testing services was also low, with only 14% of respondents having been tested for HIV.