Community Perceptions of Male Sterilization as a Birth Control Method in the La Dadekotopon Municipality, Accra

Abstract

Background Male sterilization is a simple, safe and less expensive method of birth control, equally effective as other forms of permanent birth control measures, yet least known and patronized. Vasectomy does not only provide health benefits to the user and his direct family, but to the whole population, by reducing and regulating it. Therefore the study sought to explore the community perceptions, level of knowledge on male sterilization, availability of services and reasons for use or non-usein the La Dadekotopon municipality, Accra. Method A qualitative exploratorystudy was conducted with the use of phenomenological approach in the LaDadeKotopon municipal area, Accra. Data was collected through3 focus group discussions with10 participants in each group.Theselection and recruitment for the FGD was done through snowballing for only the population of men 20years and above and women in their fertile age, who have resided in that community for more than 3years and have children. There were 14 Key Informant Interviews. The interviews and focus group discussions were audio-taped, hand written notes taken on the facial expressions and gestures with the expressed permission from participants. Recorded data were transcribed verbatim and immersion in data to identify themes using the contentanalysesmanually. Results The study revealed that male sterilization is still perceived by some people to be synonymous to castration and can lead to sexual weakness and impotency.Four themes emerged as factors contributing to their negative perceptions and low patronage included are inadequate knowledge, negative perceptions / thoughts, future uncertainty,and proximity of services. The religious were identifiedto be of the view that, vasectomy would hinder God’s command on marriage and procreation. Most of the participantss in the study used other forms of family planning because information on them was clear and understandable. The health workers in the study did not have accurate information on male sterilization as a birth control measure. The findings clearly showed that proximity of the health facilities did not influence men’s readiness to take up vasectomy. There was a finding that swallowing 2 tabletsof paracetamol before or after sexual intercourse prevents pregnancy . Conclusion The socio-demographic data of the participants did not have any impact on their perception, choice or use of vasectomy,except educational level of 3 men who were university graduates who realy supported and explained the diffence between castration and vasectomy to the FGD members but rather the severe lack of accurate, adequate and enough information on vasectomy services.Therefore, it is recommended that,health care providers should build up their capacity and FP education and services should be their daily activity.The chapels and mosques which are religious platforms should be used for the education on vasectomy; also individual counseling and the use vasectomized clients as satisfied clients (role models) for health promotion and education activities to popularize vasectomy and promote its uptake.