Male Involvement in the Choice and Use of Female Family Planning Methods in the GA East District

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that men serve as gatekeepers to women’s access to reproductive health services. However, reproductive health programmes have traditionally focused on women. The exclusion of men from such programmes considerably undermines its own effectiveness. Most women carry the burden of preventing unplanned pregnancies alone, without the support of their partners. Most of the men rely on their partners to initiate the use of contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancies therefore the need to involve men in FP issues. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study which employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. For the quantitative method, a survey was conducted with a sample of 323 men. In-depth interview were conducted with 15 men for the qualitative interview. Results: It was realised that the knowledge of female family planning was high among respondents of all age groups i.e. 296 (91.6%). The common female family planning method that they knew about was the injectables 112(34.7%) and pills 111 (34.4%). Even though knowledge was high among respondents only a few 84 (26.0%) had their female partners use family planning method. Most of the respondents 220 (68.1%) preferred to discuss family planning with their spouse and to discuss the method that was best for their spouse. Again, some programmes on family planning were organised in the communities and facilities through home visits and church programmes in the district. Conclusion: There is the need for men to be actively involved in family planning programmes and activities since the issues of fertility and reproduction does not solely rely on women.