COl.LEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, 
1::liIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON 
~ALE PART"IER II';VOLVE'I1E"IT II'; .'A'I1ILY PLAN:liING IN GA 
Cf.:IiTRAL 'I1DHCIPAUH [:Ii THE GREATER ACCRA REGION 
OF GHANA 
SOPHIA BOATENG 
10703571 
THIS OISSERT AT lOI'; IS SUIMHTEO TO THE UN[Vf.RSITY 0.' 
GHANA, l.EGO"lIN PARTIAL FU.FIl.L"IENT OF THE 
REQnRE'I1f.I';T FOR TilE AWARD OF ~ASn:R OF PUIU( 
HEALTH OEGRU: 
JlLY,2019 
I. Sophia Boateng. hereby faithfully declare that this thesis is the result of my own work, 
carried out in the Ga Central Municipal Area, while a student al the Department of Population 
Famtly and Reproduchve Health, UnivenHty of Ghana Legon. An references in this work 
have been duly aeknowledged 
.. ~ ... 
SOPHIA BOATENG DR. AGNES M . KOTOH 
(STUDENT! 
DATE DATE 
TABLE OF (:ONTP~TS 
DECLARATION .... ...•...............•.•.••••••••••••• ____. _ .................... 1 
AC~OWL.[DGE\1ENT ... 
T ABl.E Ot' COI\TESTS •.. .. .................................................... iii 
LlsTOt' T.4.llI .. ' . ................................... \li 
LIST OF FIGU~ES 
LIST OF ARBH:EVIA 'IIONs .................. ,. .............. ,. ....... ........................................... viii 
CIIAI'TF.:R 0"£ .~ ............ . ................ ................................ .................. 1 
INTRUlJl C I ION ...................... . .. ............................................................. 1 
1.1 Background to the Stud),. 
1.2 Problem Statement .,' . ........ .4 
1_3 Research Questions .. 6 
J.4Gcnua.10bjcctivc .... ............. 6 
1.4.1 SpecificObjcctives .... . ...................... 6 
1.5SiptiftCanceofSludy. .. .............. 6 
1.6ConccpeuaJframcwork . ............. .......... 7 
1.7Scopeo(Study ... ..................... .... 8 
1.8 Organization of Dissertation ... 
( HAPTER TWO ........... . .. ...................... ....................................... 10 
lITERATl"RE REnE" .. ...................................... . 
2.0lntrodoctlon . .. 10 
2.1 Family Planning Strategy 10 
2.2.1 Family Planning in Ghana ............. 11 
2.3 Male Involvement in Famil)' Plannin, in Africa ... ..12 
2.3. 1 Proponion of~a1es Who Ate Involved in Family Planning ServiCt' in Ghani 13 
2.3.2 Availability and Accessibility of Family Planning Service 10 Men .. 14 
2.4 Barriers to Male Involvement in F:unily Planning ............................................... 17 
CHAPTER TIIRl'l. ..................................•_  •._  ................. 20 
..................... _ _ . ........... 20 
I\t[T II ODS ................ . 
. .... 10 
3 1lntro<iuction 
......... 20 
l.lS.udy Design .. 
.. ... 20 
3.3 Study Silc ... 
3.4Study Population ........  .. ... 21 
3 .4 . 1Jncl~lonCritcria .. . .. ... 21 
3.4.2 Exc1usion Crileria . .. .... 21 
l .S Study Vaiables ..... .. .......... 22 
J.S.l Dependent Variable . .. ........ 22 
) .S.2Iodependml Vari.ble .... .. ... 22 
3.6 Sampling and Sample Size Determination ... .. .. . .. .......... 23 
3.6.1 Sample Size Dctennination .. . 2) 
3.6.2 Sampling Pnxed~ .. . 24 
3.7 Data Collection Techniques and Tools ... .. 24 
l .IQuoI;tyControl ... .. ....... 25 
3.9 o.ta Analysis . .......... 25 
3.10 Ethical Considcf'3tion .............. 26 
CIIAPTtR fOl R .... 
RES~LTS . .. ................ ............................................................ .. 
4.1 Oano.vaphic characteristics of male participants" ..... 27 
4.20emographiccharacteriSlicsofthefemaJeparticipanu .. .. .. ,. ................ 28 
4.3 Apttment ~ttn male and female p.1nnets on male partner's involvement in FP . 
... .. .. .... ...... ...... . ...... .. ...... ..... ...... 29 
4.4 Fonns or male in\'olvement in family planning... . . ........... ........ ... .... .. .. ... 30 
4.5 Lcvel of male involvcmern in family planning .... . .... 31 
4.6 Knowledge of male pannen on family planning. .. . ............... 32 
4.7 Lewl of kno" Icdl!;e on male partners on family planning .. .. ............. 3) 
4.1 Rn:soru for male involvmtent in fWnily p1anninl ... . . 33 
01 9 8arrie['$ to male involvemntt in family plannina ... . . .34 
4. IO.As:lol.:i:&h •• nbetweensocio-demographiccharactenstics ofmale panlcipant,. their 
knowlod&e of family piannin&and le\el of male involvement In family plannin~ )4 
4.11 Association between characteristics offemale panicipants and level of male 
mvolvement in family planning ..... ........ 36 
4.12 factors associated with low level male invo!vemenl in family planning . ........... 37 
CHAPTER FIVE ............................................................................................................. 41 
OIS( ·l ·SSION ................................... _ ........... _ ... ............................................................ 41 
5.1 Level of male in\'olvement in family planning 
5.2 Knowledge of males concerning family plannina ... . ...42 
5,3 Reasons for male involvement in family planning ... . 42 
5.4 Barriers to male panicipation in family planning .. . .43 
5.5limitationsoflhcSludy ...... 45 
CHAPTER SIX ... 
CON('Ll'SI(J'''' .\:\" RL('O.\I.\lfSDATIONS ........... .. 
6.1 ConCIUSlull:. .. 46 
6.2 Recommendations, ............... 46 
REFERENCES 
APPENDiCES ........... .. 
LIST OF TABLES 
Toblo3.1. V_lbrtbeS1Ddy.......................... . .................................... .. ........... 23 
TIlble4Illo:mogn1pbic_csofmaleS1Ddyparticipanls ................................ 28 
1'II1IJe4.2:llo:mognIpbiccharacterislicsoffemaieparticipanls ......................................... 29 
T8IS4.3: Agmemcmt between male and female partners on male partner's involvement 
InFllmi1yplanaiog ........................................................................................... 30 
_4.4 KJIawIedp of male ....."... 00 family planaios ............................................. 32 
11IlI,H.S_betweencharacterislicsoffemaiepartnersaudlevelofmale 
pom.invoIWIIIIIIIlnfamilyplanaiog ......................................................... 36 
TllU46' P-.s_wilb mal.'. low involvement in familyplanaiog ............... 39 
LIST OF FIGlRES 
Figure 4.1: Forms of male inv~vemmt in family planning .... ..... 31 
Figure 4.2: Level oemalc involvement in family planning ................ ................. 32 
Fieurc 4.3: Level of knowledge on male partner's on family planning... . . 33 
fiame4.": Reasons for male involwment in family planning..... .. ... 33 
Fiaurc4.5: 8arriers to male imolvement in family planning.... . ........................... 34 
FiKW'C4.6: AssociationlxtWf'CnehatacterislicsofmalcparticipanlSandleveJofmale 
involvemmtinfamilypianning. . .. ......................... . 35 

ABSTRACT 
U8t:kgrouod: Until n!cently, in developing nations. fertility and family planning 
rnearch. policies and progr3ms were targeted at women. Cunently. attention is 
increasingly being paid 1(1 the incorporation of males into family plarming by programs 
and research. 'Though. females bear kids and most modem contraceptives are for (hem, 
men also bear the financial responsibility of looking ancr their wives and children. This 
stltdysoug.htto invcstigate male partner participation in family plonning in the Ga CenlJ1ll 
Municipal As~bly. The specific objectives include detennining the level of 
in\'oh"cmenl ormalc partners, examining f!ICtors that affect their panicipation. 
Objecti\'es: The objt.'Clivcs of the study are to determine the level of male partners' 
im'olvement in famil)' planning ..... xamine factors thai influence their participation and 
barriers to [heir panicipalion in the Ga Central Municipality afthe Greater Accr<l Region. 
Method!: The study used c:ross--sec:tional design ",1lh quantitati\'c approach 10 data 
coll«lion 10 explore involvement of male partners in family planning. A total sample size 
of 394 respondents were recruited by from the Ga Centr.lI MWlicipal Assembly. 
Descriptive. bivariate and binary logistic: regression analysis were performed to establish 
the relationship betw-cen independent variable!) (the couples' sodo-demographic 
characteristics. level of knowledge) and the dependent (male involvement in family 
planning)outcome\'ariable. A p-value of<O.OS with 9S%CI is accepted asastatislically 
significant association between the independent and dependent \'ariabl~. 
Res.ll!: The reslo-arch results indicate that about a third (30"1.) of males had low level of 
knowledge aboul fumily planning and "/, high . Male education, maJe and female 
occupation. males' level of knowledge and the community acceptance \lr male 
partH:ipation in family planning nrc significantly associated with male involvement in 
ramily planning. Additionally. there was quite poor spousal communication and mama 
about male contraceptin: useu, Male education and occupation. level of knowledge. 
community perception was associated with males' involvement in famity planning. 
COG"II. ....:  In conclusion. the levels of male panner involvement in FP in the GCMA 
are as follows 60"4 of participants had low interest. 21 % were moderately involved 
whiles only 19% v.-ete highly involved in FP. Some of the reasons why males participate 
in FP were to stop ehild birth. to delay pregnane}. 10 achieve a desired family size, to 
prevent STI. and affordability of fo.m..il), planning scnices. Lastly. factors such as male 
partner's educalion and occupation, female o<:cupalion. knowledge level of male on 
family planninl and communit)" acceptance of male partil.:ipation in family planning wtre 
foundtobeinflueneingmaiepartner'siD\'olvementinFP 
CHAPTEROI'E 
INTRO"UCTION 
1.t Back«ro"H'oth~Study 
The recent attention drawn by various international organizations such as the World 
Health O'lanization (WHO) and the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) on 
Family Planning (FP). emphasize" the recognition placed on it as a strategy 10 curb the 
socio-eoonomic implications and negative consequences associated with high population 
rate hu on nations. Much of the phenomenon of high population rate and its 
consequences is manifested In the low resource countries (UNDP. 2014). Africa's 
population has risen rapidly over the past decades. with the proportion of active youth 
allO increasing exponentially (UNDP. 2009). It is estimated that higher proportion of 
Africa's population is underage 19 years and ('onmbuling to the increase in population 
siZCKrOSSmosIAfricancountries. 
Fac10n such as early initiation of sex, with delayed age at first marriage, increase in 
pmnarital scxcoupled with low conlraccplivc use is some factors that contribute to Ihe 
rapid population growth in most African countries. The WHO Regional Office for Africa, 
.... ith ilS panners have put up a framework to recognl/e the ~scnlial role of FP in 
achieving developmental goals (lJNDP. 2009). 
The FP involves a conscious effort 10 decide the nwnber and spacing of hirths 
(Waruauru. 2014). Thus. a strategy of conuolling population and also helps in reducinS 
unintended Jngnancies among women (Cates, 2010). The FP proaranu are vila! pen of 
efforts 10 n:ducc the spread of HIV to ney; born (Reynolds. Janowitz, Wilcher. and Cates, 
200&). reducing maternal, neonatal, infant and child deadu and unsafe abortion (Scdgh. eI 
aI., 2012). Other indirect benefits of FP arc the improvement in women', educational 
anainment and employment opportunities for women, as a result of delay in initiation of 
childbearing (Cleland. Conde-Agudelo, Peterson, Ross. and Tsui. 2012). 
11le wlncrability of mothers and pregnant women in developing nations are further 
exacerbated by inadequate family planning strategies to prevent un",1Ulted pregnancies 
and frequC:!'It births (less than 24 months interval betWeen pregnancies). This situation 
continuously aggravate into abject poverty. breakdown of the family system. high 
incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STls) including HIV/AIDS. morbidity and 
mortality relaled to unsafe abortion and complications related 10 childbirth (Soremekun. 
2014). 11 is estimated that 25% of all maternal mortaJity can be avoided through effective 
FP strategies (Hussain, 2011). Again. one a quarter of infant deaths in low resource 
COWlaies are preventable by spacing blrths two years apan (Islam, Padmadas. and Smith. 
2006). 
With other potentiaJ drivers to improving the heaJth of the mother and the family, male 
participation in reproductive health has recently been recommended as one of the major 
strole~ic::!> to improve the health outCOrMS and re\'erse the increasing population in 
developmG countries (Bishwajil, Tang. Yaya, 2017; WHO. 2010). In sub·Sahara Africa 
andotberde\'eloping nations. men hold ec:onornic po",,-crin hOllseholds and also pi aythe 
role of gatekeepers to healthcare (WIIO, 2010). As decision makers in most of 
households, men directly influence their partners' and children' health. The decisions of 
male partners influence the acces~ and usc of health care services such 8! the use of 
CORlraceplives, child spacing, performance of household chores and nutrition (Yargawa &. 
leonudi-Bee.20IS). 
Male rertncr involvement in decisions about sex, contraceptive usc and childbearing 
stroaaIy afflXl sexual bcha\'ior and contracepti~ usc, reduces disharmon) 10 
relationships, and reinforces a man's authority in the family (Waruguru. 2014). The male 
partner participation is not only limited to the uptake of male FP methods but also 
includes 5Upport &om their partners and colleagues to utilize FP services ( K.ana, 
Abojobi •• and Gcderaw. 2014). 
Male involvement should be understood to involve all activities that increase 
,ontraccptiv(' UIC' by both sexes (Green and ellens. 2003). The setbacks of female 
oricntedFPprogramsi5thalilexcluded.llreproduC1ive~lthi!lsucssucha.sse"uaIity. 
STDs. HIV/AIDS. and infertility thai call for aclion sexual panners (Waruguru, 2014). It 
isexpectcdthat whcn mcn are included in these oclivities reproductive health indicators 
of both men md women will improve and maternal and infant morbidity mortality rates 
According to Adanu el al .• (2009). family plannina in Ghana is dated as far as pre-
independents e .. (1956). yet uptake is low. A survey by the Statistiall Service ofOhana 
in 2011. reported a prevalence nlile of 34.7°;' for contraceptive usc among women and 
about 26.4~. have had unmet need for family planning (GSS. 2011), an indication of very 
low CCfltr.tccptive use. The 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) again, 
found. that, the prnalence of contraceptive use was lowest among currently married 
),oung women and older women as well (Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana Health Service 
<lIef \-I""ro(201S). 
The liter-nun: discussed 10 far sho~'$ that that the full benefits of family plannina ha"e 
not been realized largely becau.'IC most men are not active participants in FP programs in 
Africa (ljadWlOIa et aI .• 2010). Sc"eral factors have been identified as influmcina the low 
in\'Olvcmcnt of male partncn in family plwming. These fac\ors include male perception 
on FP. socioeconomic IDd demographic factors. national policies, media cam,-ians. 
communication from health professionals. recommendations from family members, and 
tbe existing. health systems (Arundhati, 2011). Ijadunola et al. (2010), proposes an 
Immediate need 10 incre3Se male participation in FP decision making to promote \1.$ 
uptake. In Ghana, however, there is low involvement of men in FP. There are still nOl 
well«fil"k.-d stUdies on the causes of such occurrences in Ghana. This study therefore 
determines the level of male part.ner involvement in family planning I!)(amine factors thpt 
influence their participation in the Ga Central MWlicipal Assembly (GCMA) in the 
Grcater Accra Region Ghana. 
1.2 Problem St.t~ment 
The FP programs atc! vital part ofheaJth interventions to reduce maternal and child 
mortality rates. This is because FP enables women to make infonned decisions about 
childbirth; to postpOne, space or limit pregnancy i Vouking. Evina, & Tadcnfok. 2014) 
Societal nonns, religious practices, and even legal requircmenb provide men great 
influenee over decisions that affect their family's reproductive health in many low 
~e nations including Ghana (Adelekan, Omorcgic & Edoru, 2014). In response, 
programs are SI.~king ways to develop strategies that influmce men's active panicip%lIion 
inFP. Studying male involvement, therefore is imponant to understand the multi plicityof 
factors that influence males' and females' reproducti\~Jecisions(Clarketa1. ,2(KlKI . 
to Ghana, aWarene!s of contraceptive methods is common. with 98% of aU wumen and 
WI, of all men kno ..... ing at least one method of contraception (Ababio, 20(9). With 
specific reference to the usc of one method of concracepeion almost doubled. from 13% 10 
240/, bctv.~ 2UOK and .... hik the usc of modem methods more than tripled , from S"o 10 
17% between 1998 and 2001. Owing that same period, Ghana's total fertilit)· rate 
dropped from 6.4'1. to 4~,. Notwithstanding that the knowledge of family planning 
methods in Ghana is almost universal. it ' s use has been low 17% (Ghana Statistical 
Serviceetal .• 20IS). 
Despite empirical (!'\'idcncc ~howing that men are much more interested in and have a 
positive view of family planning than is generaJly assumed. their involvement is still low 
particularly in low resource countries. (Kabagbenyi. 2014; Hartmann et al .• 2012), The 
siluatiro!l in Ghana about male involvement in FP is not different from this. and several 
~luJ,,·, h. . ~~· shown lIlat although knowledge of at least onc method of family planning is 
hI&;II ,<JS%) among men, their Involvement is still low (Adongo et aI. 2013; Sabra. 
Namong It Badu-Syarko. 2014), 
~ is low involvement of family planning services amoni males in most health 
flCilities and the Os Central ~unicipalily is no exception. The annual report from the 
year 2011. 2012 and 2013 roponed 21S (0.280/.). 247 (0.17%) and 183 (0.16%) 
respectivcl)'as Ulililation offamily planning sel"\"ices by males (Ghana Statistical Service. 
2014)" Bruce (2013) revealed that efforts to promote family planning in developing 
countries have often been criticized for thcir cKclusion of men, Evidence from Sabra.. 
Namong .t. Bldu·Nyarko·~ (2014) study show that FP programs thai has focused 
anention primarily on "omen yielded positi\"c results hence the need to refocus and 
encourage the use of male methods (Rosliza &: Majdah, 2010) as to increase their 
~icipation and ensure its effectiveness. The current ongoing debate on moving beyond 
mere knowledse to the use of family planning methods by paying attention to married 
couple necds ancnlion by rcS4.'an:hcrs 
This study then:-f~ dctmnirk."d, the «:UlTCnt level of male panner involvement in FP. 
examined (Kton tNt. influence thC'ir panicipalion in the Ga Central Municipal 
Assembly? 
1.3 RcsearchQuestioDs 
1 What are the levels of male partners' involvement in family planning activities in 
thcGCMA? 
2. What are the reasons for males' involvement in family planning in the GCMA? 
3. What factors influence male partners' involvement in family plannina in the 
GCMA"I 
1.4 General Objccti"e 
This stUdy sought to examine male partner involvement in FP in (he GCMA. 
1.. .. ISpecirICObjeclinll 
fhe specific objectives of the study are: 
I. To detennine the level of male partners' involvement in family planning in the 
GCMA 
2. To examine reasons for males' participation in family planning in the GCMA 
3. To assess factors that influence male partner' s involvement in FP in the GCMA. 
1.5 Significance of Stud) 
The FP programs would be successful if both males and females are actively involved. 
Rcprdmg men' , the \,ital role in decision Illakmg. their involvement in the FP, is a key 
:.trntcgy to tackling reproductive health issues of women. However, until recently. less 
anention has been paid 10 male partner involvement in Family planning in a marilal 
rclalionshipbyfocusingoncouples. 
It is therefore important to investigate factors that influence male partner involvement in 
FP and their level of participation. Knowledge of factors that influence male partner 
in\'olvcment in FP will increase our understanding of use of FP methods in the district. 
infonn programiDS and interventions that wiU ultimately impro\'e FP uptake in the 
6 
GCMA and beyond, It will also provide relevant data 10 inform further srudies on male 
involvem",ntinFP, 
1.6CODCtptulillrrlilme\\ork 
The fram~'ofk attempts to explain the various factors influencing male partner 
in,"olvemcnt in family planning. These factors could divided into two main groups; the 
demographic sucb &S age, educational level of participants, marital status of the 
participants, employment status, and the number of living children, The other is enabling 
factors such as discussing of FP with partner, knowledge on FP. and cost of FP servie~ 
and "ife's approval of contraceptive use 
First of all, it eouJd be argued that one's level of education could influence the 
involvement of the individual in family planning. Also, those who are married are Iikel)' 
[0 invol\'e in family plannin~. They could do it to prevent unwanted pregnancy and to 
achie\'c their desired family size, Others too, because of the number of children till.")' 
ha~ decidN to have, could influence their involvement in famil), planning. In that, they 
can decide co adopt that just to space their children. Religion could also play an important 
in ones involvement in family planning. Some religion does not permit one to do family 
p1annina- Therefore those who belong to thai school of thought mil)' decide not to do 
family planning at all 
Furthermore, individual's knowledge level .bOUl fumil)' planning could influence the 
person to involve in famil)' planning, It is imponant when indi\'iduals are aWlI1c of the or 
have the knowledge on the need to do family planning (Frt'Cman et Il 2012). Baxd on 
this this the penon can make a dl.'Cision to either involve in it or not. In addilion 10 the 
above. it could abo be Ilf'JUtd tJw. Ihc cost of in ..' oh 'ing in FP could influence males in 
In\,ol\'m" in family planning, When the Cost is very low, this could help. lot of mal~ to 
involve in it. Male partnen could abo involve in family planning when they discuss FP 
issues with their partners. This could help them to de<;ide on when to have children and 
even the number of children they wouJd decide to have . 
•' igure 1.1: Conceptual Framework 
Enabling Factors 
Demographic Factors 
• DiscussFPwithpartner 
Age • Know!oogconFP 
Education • CostofFPservices 
Marital status • Acccptabilityofmale 
Emp!oymentstatus involvement in the community 
No,oflivingchildren • Wife'sapprovalofcontraccpti\'e 
Religion 
1.7 Scope of Study 
The scope of this srudy is influenced by the context. study coverage, lime period and the 
study design. Cootextually, the study examined fac:tors associated with male partner 
involvement in family planning uptake. The study covered both husband and wife "'ho 
.e living togc:ther for at least one year. 
1.8 0rpnizaiionofDisstrtation 
This 4iS5e1tation is prc:S4:nted in five chapterS. Chapter one is the introduction. It provides 
background to the problem. objectives of the study and ~an:h questions. It also 
contains the conceptual framework. significance and seopC' of the study and organi7.ation 
of the dissertation. Chapter two p~nlS a review of relevant literature. Chapter three 
presenlS lhc mctholbadopced to conduct the shidy. data collection and analysis. Chapter 
four covers findings of the srudy . The fifth chapter discusses findings usini relevant 
literature. Finally. chapter six draws conclusions (findings) pertaining to the study and 
make necessary recommendations. 
CHAPTER TWO 
L1TERATUKE KEVIEW 
2.8Inl..-oducfiolt 
This chapttf reviews literature on male involvement in family planning. It coven family 
planning stnIC~'Y. family pJannin, In Ghana. availability and accessibi lity ofFP service to 
men and men's "rlnions about lheir panu;:lpallOn in family planning. 
2.IF.mil) PI.naingSlrattg,.\' 
FMTlil) rbnlllllg prul«tS ~om('n and their childrm' health by avoiding un\\IllHed Md 
untimely pregn.m..:ic!> as ","('II as reduces the fonner's exposure to the risk invoh'ed in 
child birth and abortion. People have the right to make decisions on the number and 
specing of births. Despite the great progress over the years 10 impro ....e  use of family 
p'~nflln~ sC1Vices (Ghana Stalistical Service, Ghana Health Service & ICF Macro (2014), 
man~ couples are still oot using contraceptives methods. Quality of service, unavailability 
of variety of melhods for men. fear of opposition from partners and worrin of side effects 
are among reasons for the unmet n~s for FP services (WffO, 2007). 
Globally, 38,,"0 of pregnancies are ~ilher un ..... anted or unplanned and in low resource 
countries. unwanted pregnancy poses a major social. hcallh. and developmc:ntal 
ehal1ence·itcontribu1t'stomorethan a quarter of the 40 million preenancie! IhllOC:cur 
annuall~· in the Africa as a rt'SUl1 of contrKeplive failw-t. non-use and to some e.tent due 
to~. Tnc: eno~ diverse consequences of unwanted presnanc)" make it crucial to 
rrc-'enl such prqnarKICS by providing access to contraceptives including emersency 
cunlf'llCeption., safe abonion services and empowering women 10 detenninc their 
reproductivcdc'CilloionstfotlOetaI.2011). 
III Farnily Planningitl Gbllna 
A study conducted in 2006 in some rural seltings in Northern Ghani ex.amine men's 
con«mS about reproductive health (RH) services found out that community mobilization 
and maJe outreacb was not sufficient for introducing behavioral change (Adona<> et .1., 
20(6) t '1llization of contraceptive services were found to be greater and more sustained 
among the Zurugdu community in the North when combined with Communily.aased 
Health PlInning and Services (CHPS) and Community Health Offieers (CHO) services. 
m.n "h(n it lOk:kcd the suppon of CHOs (Adongo et al .• 2006). The 2014 Ghana 
~ic Md Heahh Survey (GDHS), reported only 27% of married women usc of 
llll) famll) pl::mning method with 22% using I modem method and S". using traditional 
mcthods (Ghana Statistical Sen.'iceel al.. 2015) 
AdoniO el a1. (200S), im'cstigaled elements of the social system of me Ka.ssena·Nankana 
that influence reproductive beliefs and behaviour and found out that women practicing 
contraception do so at considerable risk of social oslracism or familial conflict. Fe" 
\\omftl viC'\\ penonal choices about contraceplives as coming from them, 
SchWer's (1999) study with men's groups and community leaders with the goal of 
o\,ertoming men's opposition to women usinl FP conchlded thai gender constraints to 
RH arc best addressed by includjn~ men to change their situation. using participillory 
approaches 1.0 women' s empuwcnnc:nl 
Also. polypmous mule» .... c~ Jes!\ like!} to aaree that males should determine family 
size compared 10 those: in monogamous relationships. HOYonu, 
men who ha\"C a.talDc:d postSt:condary edUCtiion were more likely to agree that men sbouI 
d dctmninc family size compared to males who ha\[e attained only ICCOndary eduealion ( 
95%) 
AI,." male tradcn ..~  also I1lOft' likel), to agree that men should delennine fnIml)' size c 
ompared 10 male artIsanS (95%) and Olheroccupational groups. 
2.3 ~a lt lo,oh'rlftrn! in F.mily Planning in Afric. 
The FP being an age-old issue contributes to improving the family's health. Many 
initiatives have involves males in FP progr.uns in Africa (Mukasa, 2009). T'hese programs 
develop IRter\"enlions to increase know1eJS": sueh as information, education. and 
commwUcaJions campaigns usin& mass media to men's interest are gradually gaining 
prominence (Kabwlgu, 2001). Several evidences have shown that well targeted focused 
male in"'olvanent programs have an imPKf. on both male and female behaviors related to 
Howewr. Afric.. is lagaing behind in the adoption and expansion of FP programs 
Compared to other pnrts of the wortd, evidence from countries in the developed world 
shcrA~ that mo~ than 6()G/, males studied expressed their willingness to use a ~ male 
conuaccpch'e 10 n:lie\'c their partners of the contraceptivc burden (Iieinemann, 2005). 
Given the imponant role that Afiitan men play decision making. their participation is 
critical for FP uptake. Conventionally. FP sen.·ices have been rem;]l..: centered (Voukin& 
('I al., 2014), since most of fP mc1hods are female dependent. As women were unduly 
affected b)' nqalivc con5Cqucntes of unwanted pregnanc), and STI. Ho\\'eVtI', since the 
AIDS epidemic, RH prof~~illnals have emphasized the imponanl role that male partners 
can pla)' in enhandn& contraception and reducing unwan1ed pregnancies and the STls 
(S-&Mburu.:OIS) 
TodIi)" the focus on RH it males' UK' of FP sen. icC'S and male methods. Condoms are 
~ as one oflhe FP method~ whm used consistently and c:om:ctIy CGl sipificantly 
rcduce unintended pregnUlCiesand STis (Heinemann, 200S) 
12 
In Nigeria. it was found that men are either not interested or concerned about family 
planning or are opposed to it, however, Kamla·Raj. (2006), asserted that the reality afthe 
silUltion is 1hIa. men are really interested. not only allowina their wives. but they 
themselves participating in its practice. According to a study done on utilization of family 
planning scrvica. constraints to utilization of services were identified based on service 
o~rvationsandthcpcrspcctivesofprovidm.Servicestatistics.c1inicobservationsand 
focu.s group discussions were used to compere utilization panerns. The results showed 
thlt family planning provision is still frapncnled, and men are wanred to improve family 
pianningutilizalion(Hasna.2006) 
2.3.1 ProPOrtiOD or Mates Who An Involvoo in F.mily PlanDinl Service in Gha. 
A INdy carried out in Oanf, in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana revealed that males 
prefer visiting mobile clinics for obtaining condoms rather than buying it in a store. This 
indicates that malespalronizcd the service brought to them at their door step rathcrthan 
goinatolhchcalthcentcrs. 
Aamn. a swvey in 2006. revealed that even though there has been some success in trying 
to increase male utilization of family planning scrdce, the reality remains that most males 
do not utilize the service and il is evident that while some posilive paces havc been taken. 
some nepthe mnuences inhibit male utilization of family planning service (Adon80 e1 
a1.,2006;Wiafe,20Il). 
The 2014 GDHS also showed that married men and !o('xuaJly active men reponed having 
ever u.scd one or more male methods of contraception, Methods found include condom, 
maJc sterilization. male periodic abstinence and wilhdrawal. The most populllr male 
mahod. c:oodom. has been used by few maJcs (both married and unmarried males). Male: 
sterilization howe\'er is virtually non-exislent in Ghana. \\1w ;, widely known in 
13 
literature is that most male mC'thods are used by few males (Nzioka. 2oo8). Among the 
t\\'Otraditional methods, periodicabstinef\oCe is reponed as used more than withdrawal by 
both married and wunarrled men (GSS etal.. 2015). 
2.3.2 A\ aillibility lind Accessibility of family Planning Service to Men 
Despite the reality that males play a significant part in reproductive health, studies have 
shown thal masculine use of family planning service is hindered by some obstacles. There 
is limited range oframily planning techniques accessible to males and this inhibil.5lhe 
ability ofmale:s to engage in regulating fertiJity (Greene ct al .. 1995). In thegrowthofa 
male binh conrrol pill (MBCP). the inadequacy of male contraceptive technique has 
trigered significant media allenlil1n concl!ming a latesl breakthrough. The rea1ity of the 
matter is thai a fresh male contraccpti\'e technique is still about S· 10 years away with 
some tc(hmcal hurdles to be overcome (Dvorsky, 2008). Men would prefer honnonal 
contrncl!ptives produced in the Conn of injectabln or implants. with these methods people 
will be mort interested in the use of family planning (Heinemann ct al .• ::!OO5).Other 
swveys have disclosed that thert are man) decisions to make about masculine family 
plannina techniques. including traditional techniques. but due to somc c(lP,-ictiuns 
combined with insufficient understanding of certain tecluliquc.·s of contraception some 
people IlK opposed to using them wilh reasons best known to them (Nzoka. 2000). The 
tnlth here is that there are few family planning services accessible to males. and the 
facilities thai ptov;de family planning services are also insufficient. even lhe few 
l(CC'SSible are not user·friendly, to males. A study conducted in lIorin, Nigeria reponed 
thai. family plannin, clinics are womm-orientc:d so maJes often feel uneasy and 
WlWCkome II these clinics (Olawepo and Okcdart. 2(06). Men's lack of access to family 
riolMut8 sen'K;cs is a barrier to its Uk. accordine to a survey ('In approved contraceptive 
lUC. l'hI:Kfcn.ifmencannotIttt'SSKTVices.the)'cannotsharctheirresponsibility (or 
'4 
reproductive health. mcluding family planning. Accordinl to a research. most family 
planning clinics primarily cater for females. so males do not visit thete clinics 
comfonably (Population Report. I ~94). This contradicts the resu.hs of a Danfa. Ghana 
n:scartb showiq males can readily access family plaMing services (IPPJ.. 1984). The 
~h demonstrllCs that males even prefer to buy condoms from CUJTtnl portable 
clinics over drug stores. A case study undertaken in Thailand's Khaochakan district 
mowed that most men knew wbere the family planning service was localed, some know 
about health centers, others hospitals. while some others primary heaJth care units and 
druc stores. Most malc customcrs had to travel at a lower price for the service (Em. 
2005), The true condition on the ground is thaI while people are aware of family plannins 
service. use is poor. A Bangladesh Health and Demoar1phic Study directed at defining 
fldon that afl'cct male involvement in family planning and access to services (World 
Popubtion Policies, 2003) found th,lt mate participation is heavily affected by 
demographic. lIOCio-economic, cultural and psychololical factors, communication and 
scn'icc factors. Resean::h on condom access and use conducted in Tanzania. showed ..... 
condom use is very low. mainly owin& to restricted demand and particularly access to the 
technique (Bongaans, 2006). 1n addition to decreasing sexually transmitted diseases. 
Including AIDS. the r~~arch r"~l)l!nized accrss 10 FP a. . cntical to ~ustainaMe 
development and the likelihood of unwanted pregnan4:ies that cause mltemal and infant 
mortality (Lundgren ct al.. 2005). In a study in Ullar Pradesh in lndia to understand the 
lewl of knowla:JIC. attitude and practice of FP methods among men residina in an urban 
ira who weft beneficiaries of the Central Governmen1 Heahh Scheme (CGHS) revealed 
that nearly one third of ,n binhs an: unJe'lrahlc: or unplanned (Khan and Patel, 1(96). 
The hkdy reaon mipu he that contraccpti\'e failure or males do not ha\'e sufficient 
undt:n.tandinaof"onuacepti\·c usc. stront: "hild preference ""hkh requires at least one 
IS 
third of parents to go in for three or more children due to traditional men's customs and 
beliefs. Although the men are educated knowledge levels ofdifTerent technique5 of 
family planning, espl.'Cially no·scalpe! vasectomy was poor 
This shows that people are interested in I('arning about different techniques of 
contraception. The men are not even ioterested in the method of \·asectomy, too. This 
repn:scnts II sensation that there is restricted panicipation of males in family planning. 
The acc('planee of men's techniques of family planning is small. This further promotes the 
opinion thai their participation in the pmgram of family planning is restricted. 1be spouse 
is the only decision maker in half of the households concerning the amount of kids under 
the research. Our nation being a male dominated one, females are not generally involved 
in lhedecisl(IO'makingprocess. especia11ythe less trained ones. Our nation being a male 
dominated one, temales are not generally involved in the decision-making process, 
especially the less trained ones. To make the family plarminS program a success, the 
go\"C:mmcnt can make a systcmatic cO-on to educate both mcn and women in a11 matters, 
mcludingchildbinh,to undef'stand their responsibilities. 
2.3.1.1 Cornlatn of men's opinions about their rolet in famil) planning decision 
Jadunulaetal. (2010) noted that the vic ..... s of men on their positions indecision -making 
in family planning were evaluated on a threc·tier scale of agreement, undecided and 
disagreemenl. More masculine panicipanlS generally disagreed with the idea that males 
should decide on chosen family planning problems in the family. The results show thai 
44e;. of maJes agreed that males should detenninc the size of the family While 540f0 
disasrecd; 29Y. decided that main mould decide when to embrace family planning while 
69% disagreed; 9% (If malc-s agfC'Cd that males should decide which tectvlique of family 
planning to follow while 88% disagreed; 34% of males decided that males should decide 
wh.r.todoaboutunwanledpregnancywhile64~.disagrced. 
2..1 8arriers 10 "ale Involvemenl in Family Planning 
S~\~ral studies ha\'e reponed barriers to male involvement In family planning. Thapa and 
Nichof(2010) stated that f~ofsocial stigma and feelings of shame for supporting their 
wife, elaboratina on the traditionalculturll norms thai attIcb a negative vaJuc to husbands 
who pIIy a supportive role during their wife's matemity period affects male involvement 
in r.mily pIaMing. 
Ao:ording to Mullany (2006). the most known barriers to male involvement in nUllemai 
h~alth included low levels of knowledge, shyness, social sligma and job responsibilities. 
Agha al!lO reported mothers-in-law "'U'C also hindrance to contr&eq>tion use. That there is 
a hi~ probability of the couples adopting a modem contraceptive method when the 
mothcr- ift..law "as not li,"ing with them (Agha & Niehof, 2010). In Nepal. Mullany 
(2006). found thai lack of knowledge about materna! health among Nepalese husbands 
Impedes positive invo!vement in matemal hca.lthcare. 
Silwnbwe el aI. (2011) noled that a few governments have sbo"ll dedication 10 extending 
health services 10 distant rcgiom, lengthy distances to some health centres remain a 
challenge 10 access and UIe of oo'nracep1iH' sen,ices in many rural regions. This involves 
the use of local structures to distribute and create demand for contraceptives. Many of 
thelcl«albuildings,ho"e\-er.still face various difliculties.such as abscnceofinccntiva 
for optimal fundionins. (Lawoyin et aJ. 2002). 
Appropriale inccnti, es and effective mana,cmeru strategies that enhance the capacity of 
1ocal!U'Uctun:s 10 deliver FP services can help to Increase contraception needs (Orji. 2000 
Ahhoup most Zambian SRH policies rttommend adolescent-friendly sen'ices. school 
17 
contraception i$ still not pmnined (Ogunjuyigbe, 2002). Suggescing the need for a policy 
frarne,,",ork to build commWlity assistance and use in all environments, mcluding schools. 
for adok'scent conuaception. These results show the need for further discussion and 
possible n::-8djustment ofFP Ie policy in schools as adolescents are unable to access 
ttlne services tiftly in health centres o","ing 10 stigma and ad. ..n -sc attitudes of providers. 
TMpa and Nichof. (2010) observed ht married women's movement is nqatively 
corTClated with the panicipation of fatbcr5 at ANC events suggesting that women's 
husbands who ~ (ree to visit areas such 8S a health faci lity, market. friends and families 
\\;!hol.ll the husb8nd's consent are considerably less engaged in FP. A research by 
Ministry of finance Planning and Economic Development (MOFfED) (2004) in Uganda 
showed the role of education in reducing fertility. The report revealed that there were 
(ewer kids in families with higher education. Households whose head had ~ondary 
andtor higher educa1ion had less children than their counterparts with less education 
Deuih:d assessment shows thai the effect of higher education on fertility d«tease is 
gtCater (mote than double) than that of secondary education. The research indicates that 
publll: assistance for education should go beyond wU~1 primary education to have a 
sisniflUtlteffeclonfertilitydecrca.sc. 
Otbtr ractors include 
Avenge fertililY decreases dramalically with education. from 7.7 kids amon, 
non-«lucatcd fema!es to 4.4 amona high school females. 
Households with unmarried, divorced or widowed heads experience had les5 
children comparcdto their married eounteTparts; whereas the rncnc is true (or 
those in polygamous relationships. 
Male HHs had reduced fertility than female HHs. indicatin& the role of Kender 
inequality. I.e. females usually lack control OVft" reproduction. 
ffi{s who reported being dependent on agriculture as the primary stay bad more 
clUldrenthantheirnon-agricuIturaJcounterpans. 
fDis whose composition was skewed in favor of girls had more kids than those 
witb. boys. This is bec:ause of cultural. social and financial preference for boys 
Urban fertility is significantly lower than ruraJ. fertility. In metropolitan regions. 
Ihooverall fertility rate (TFR) is 4.4 kids per female compare<i to 7.1 inrurai 
........ 
In the poorat bomes, females bad Sldds compared to 4.3 in the richest families. 
CHAPT ER T HREE 
METHODS 
J.llnlroductioD 
This chapttr prcsents the mc1hods employed to conduct the study. It includes the 5tudy 
daian. srudy population. study \anables, sampling and sample size calculalion. Also. the 
dI&Ic:oIlection tcchniqucs, data quality assurance, dataanaJysis and ethica] considcJ1I lions 
3.2SludyDtslt;n 
A cross's('(tionai design was used to eXlll1line male involvement in family planning and 
the associated factors in the Ga Central Municipal Assembly (GCMA) from April 10 June 
20)9. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to collect data on the Ic"cl ofmaJe  
involvement in FP and faclors associated \.\ith male participation 
J.JSlud} Sitt 
The study was conducted in Ablekwna and Anyu communities. in me GCMA in the 
Greater Ac:c:ra Relion of Ghana. The municipality is one of the 260 Mctropolilall. 
Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, and is part of the 29 M~OAs in 
the Greater Accra Resion (GSS. 2011). It was carved out of the Ga South MunicipaJ 
Assembly and fonn. par1 of the new districts and municipal assemblies created in the year 
2012 and w~ inaugurated at their \arious locations simullantously on the ~~Ih )un~. 
:!Ol:!andha~SoWUlUOm .. ilScapital, 
Tht GCMA lies within latitudes S· 48' north and within longitudes 0- I'east and 0- 3' 
20 
Tht Municipality covers a IOta! land area of about 48.997 square kilometen. It was 
CM\"Cd out of the then Ga South Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region and 
\4-.5 established by Legislative instrument 2135 (2012). The GCMA shares boundaries 
.... ith Accra ~eltOpolilM Assembly 10 the south, G. Wesl Municipal 10 the cas! and north. 
and Ga Soulh Municipal to the west. The population of the Municipality ac("urding 10 
2010 population and housing census SWld! at 117,220 with 57,321 males and 59,899 
females 
The population of the municipality is heteroaeneous. including Gas, Akans, Ewes, Hauss 
among others. However. the Ga ethnic group are in the majority. rhe people are 
pmtominantly ramers, petty traders. and fishmongers . Regarding thci.r rcliglM. 
Chnstians and Muslims dominate the municipality wilh few traditionnlislS. 10e arca is 
dcn5Cl~ populated. The common Illnguage spoken are Ga, Ewe and Twi . 
3." Study Population 
The stud) population included married couples ("--omen and men) in their reproductive 
age () 5. ... 9 and 15·59 years respectively) and art rnident in the GCMA alleast for a year 
andwilhaas.oncchild . 
J .... lladusiuaCrileril 
fl.lc&rrIN couples tmales anJ females) aged 15-49 and 15-59.  
• Hawalleastachild 
Mustbcal'e"5i~tinthediltric;tforatlea.!toncyear 
.l ..... 2E1ciulionCritcri. 
• Adult females and males below 15 yean and above 49 in the case of females and 
59yeanmalc" 
\t..d~5 and lemales \4"ho at(' not married but nOI stayihllOgether 
21 
• VisilOf'Sresidinlinlhedistricl 
3.5 Study Variables 
The vattablesare independent and dependenl van.bies whose values can be studied or 
3.5.1 Depe.dentVariable 
TtK depeudenl \'ariable is maJe partner iD\'o)vemenl in family planning. which will be 
developed III a composite variable comprising seven questions covering male', 
involvcment in family planning 
3,5.2lndepeadeotVariable 
The independent variables are: socio-economic. demographic characteristics. cultural 
em lrl:QDClll of hou~holds, spousaJ communication and existing health I)'StemJ; males' 
prn:eptiolUon(amilyplanning. 
22 
Table3.1: Vario&bll's for Ihl' sludv 
I"'ariable fpl'ra'ionalJ)dinilion ndicator ~ult' or f«hniqut's 
Measurement 
!Education 1 ~.\'t:l of c:duc.J1iun rimary. JHS. (Imina! scale pueslionnaih 
~HS. Tertiary 
ncomeoflhe Monlhl),lflComeofa phanaianCediprdinalscaie ~ueslionnain: 
OUleboJd. h\..lUschoJd 
paid for ery costly. ominaiscaJe lJtleSlionnain: 
~ ·onl ... cepli't" onlraceplive. ~:;'Ie. 
heap. 
Uecision mltkm laic.,. decide contraceptive Decision "f\jllmmal pUCSlionnaLrc 
nthchousehold. making 
rCCUPlililln rype of \\-ark respondents do ~:r~~glt. not 1'00111m",1 scale pueslionnairc 
~'1aIt" p.,tner JMen ShOwin. a interest ofthcir esponses 10 prctinal scale ~uestionnaire 
~nHlh"menl pauses on FP. also ueSllons askcc: 
I ~~~:::I~n:e!!::~ers 
a~:dnl n~~~~e!:!if~i~~ male :~~~~ic. F'l0minal puestionnain: 
oln.tat ulrural, 
erceptions 
3.6 Sampllag aDd Sample Sue Delerminaliun 
3.6.1 SampleSizell"lerminalion 
Lsi",. sample size calculation formula (Wayne 20(6): N '" Z2 (pqYOl 
\\'here:r-,; = sample size. Z • Reliabilily Coefficient with 95%i confidence certainty. p= 
Proportion of male involvement. where q • I-p .D • Ihe desired or the required size of 
llaDdarderrorallo·wed. 
Family plannina acceptor rate, 38% according 10 GHS Family Planning Division (201S 
Repon). 
21 
Tht~fore. tbe value ofp is o.n and q is 0.62. The desired standard error chosen 10 be 
0.05 with reli.abiliry coefficient of95 % certainty (z • 1.96), q-o.S 
Then,/-I_[(1.96)'(0.38'O.62)] 
(0.05)' 
N-l.9050810.0025 
/-1-362 
A non-respondent mte of9.5 % is factored in to give the required sample size of 400. 
).6.2Samplio2Proceclure 
The sample was selected using five steps. First, two sub districts were randomly selected 
from the sub-distriClS. Second, one communit), from eKh sub-disuict were selected based 
onc:onve.nicnce and accessibililY regarding road nelworkand transport. Third,a1leligible 
houxhold! in the selccted communities were listed. The lotal number of eligible 
h\lu\.Ch\lld.~ v.ithin each selcetod community was divided by the sample size to get the 
sampling intenaJ. A central point of each community W1lS selected 8nd a household 
selected to 5Ct\'e as the slaning point. The interv81 was then used 10 select subsequent 
houses. The same procedure was used until the required number for each communi I )' was 
8Chie~d. The nwnber selected from each commWlity was proportionate to the number 
listed. 
3.7 Data ColI«tion Ttcbniqun and Too'" 
The main sourcc of data .... as pril'l'W')' data. The dala was collected using inten iewCT 
.tminlJten:d structured qucslionnairt. The questionnaire induded both close and open-
mdcd questiuns. It captUr'M thc demographic profile, participatioD in FP and factors 
influencing mall! iO\ol\,cment in family planning. ~asons and banicrs that affect their 
partICIpation 
24 
The questions are: ever discussed FP with v.ife; ever attended FP clinic; ability to make 
time off busy schedule to attend FP clinic; ever seen or read about FP; ever discussed FP 
wilh mends; and whether respondent will recommend FP to friend and other relatives. All 
the questions arc dichotomous (No.'Yes), and scored No:-. oa nd Yes'" I. 
3.8QuilityCootroi 
The following quality control measures were taken to ensure that the data is reliable. One 
sUpU\"isor and three data collectors were given a 2-day training on questionnaire 
administralion andethicai issues 
Questionnaires were pre·tesk.-d in Ga West Municipal Assembly before going to 
the field to collcct data . 
• Data collection was monitored by the principal investigator. 
Collected data was thoroughly cleaned to remove errors and inconsistendes 
before entry and analysis 
3.9 Dat. AnalY5is 
The cleaned data was exported to SPSS (version 23) for statistical analysis. frequencies 
were run for key variables and the results presented in tables. Bivariate analyses using 
Chi square was performed to test the relationship between male involvement in family 
plannin& and demographic clw'acteristics. Binary logistic rewession was used to examine 
the predictors of male involvement in family planning. The model was constructed with 
\'ariablesthat were significant in the bivariate result. All the questions on male partner 
involvement arc dichotomous (NoIYes) and are scor~d No = 0 and Yes· 1. The scores 
for the six items '''ere summed to form a composite variable "Male Involvement". The 
o\·eraJl scon:: ranges from 0 to 7. TIle final score was then categori/.N into low (0-2), 
25 
moderate (34) and hIgh (5-7). Frequency was run 10 estimate the proportion of males 
who arC' invol~ in family plannin~ and bivariate analysis perfonned. 
Further. the score was further dichotomized into two where aU the men who were scored 
0-4 wert labelled "low involvcmcnl"; and those scored 5-7 is labella:! "high 
Inyol\'emenC' for lht binary logistic relPU1ion asWysis to determine the relationship 
~en all independent variable and the outcome variable (male involvement). Odds 
ratios (OR) and their Q5~. confidence intervals (el) and p-vaJue of less than 0.05 were 
UlCdlOastess5tA1isticaJsignifiCAOCtandthestrenpoftheassociation. 
3.10 EtblcalConsideradon 
Tbefollowingethical issun were considertd in the study: 
Ethical clearance ~as obtaint.'d from the Ghana Health Service Ethical Review 
CommiltCC'. 
• Pmnission was oblained (rom the regional health directorate to cover the health 
facilities . Additionally. pennission was sought from the municipal usscmbly for 
entry into lhestudyaru. 
Informed consent was SOuabt from the respondents before they panic'rate In the 
RUdy. 
• The data from the respondents is kept confidential; soft copy stored on Ihe 
compUkr "ith a pasSv,ord . The hardcopy of the questionnaire is stored in a metal 
cabinet under lock and key 
26 

Percentage 
\'ariabks 37.61 :t1.06 
Age:MC'Sn:tSD 79 20.05 
<29 143 36.29 
~~ 147 37.31 
6.35 
50-59 25 
Rdirlieo 140 35.53 
Pr"'. ...."  21.32 
CaIbolk: 84 )5.79 
Muslim 141 
12 3.05 Traditional 4.31 
Oth<r 17 
Efbnichy 
Ga 81 
20.56 
142 36.04 AIw> 
Ewe 95 24.11 
Oth<r 76 19.29 
Marriage type 
Monogamous ) 12 79.19 
Poly,amDUi 82 :!O.8\ 
£ducalwalevel 
No Education 14 ) .55 
Primary 25 6.J5 
Middlc.}SS I)) 33.76 
s..:ondar) 144 36.55 
lC'TtiU) 78 19.8 
Er.ployraeatstalus 
l 'ncmployedlstudenl 51 12.94 
FonnaJs«wr 110 27.92 
Sclf-employed 208 52.79 
Infonnalsector 25 6.35 
Number of cbildrc-n: Mean ± SO 3,26 ± 1.71 
I 35 8.88 
2 86 21.83 
3 142 )6.{)4 
4 78 19.8 
.J.~~ _ _ 53 1).45 
4.2 Oc-lIIognpbic cbaraCleri~liC5 of the female participanb 
The a .. na~ eae of the female partncn of the male intcn'iewed was approximately 32,' 
~. Majority(SO .3~.)or"hom were in the age group 30·39 years. Most (37,·W.)orthe 
fcmale partner! had SeeondaJ) lC'\el of cdocation. And majority (58.4%) of the female 
pannen. ~ also ~Ir-employed 
Tabk 4.2: Oemolraebk characteristics offemale partici~anls 
Percentage 
~:::::. age: Meaa:t: SO .·r1~.~~c: r~394 
<29 141 35.79 
)0-39 198 50.25 
40-49 55 13.96 
Fe.aleeducalioDalltvel 
No Educalion 27 6.87 
20 5.09 PrimM) 
MiddleJJSS 118 30.03 
SecondaJ) 147 37.4 
Tertiary 81 20.61 
VeD1ale employmenllihllus 
Unemployed/student 67 17.01 
FormalKCtOf 7l 18.53 
Self-emplo)'ed 230 58.38 
In(ormalseclor ___~ 4_ _ _ ____ ~C: _ _ ~ 
4.3 Aarumenl belween male and female partnen on male partner's invo lvement in 
1be couples WCTe separately interviewed using a seven item questions .bout male 
pattDrr'. involVC11lCTll in ramily planning 10 ucertain the level of agreem en I. 178 of the 
364 couples apeed thai Ihe male ne\-er discussed family planning issues with the wife. 
llS aareed that the male discussed family planning with wife and 81 or the 364 l:OUflles 
I.h~ifttd whether the male discus~ family planning with the wife. 
In all. 79"·/.o(the 364 couples lIgrc:cd intheirresron~toYthC1herthe male dis,usscd 
family planninc with the wife_ 64~. ag.reed in the ~spon~ thaI Ihe male inl1ialed family 
plannina discussion with the wife. Also. 81.2% of the couples agreed in their response 
that the male e\er allC'nded family planning clinic with the wife. 728% oflhe couples 
agreed in their rnponsc 10 the male ever using contraccpti\C' with the "ife and 75.6% 
-creed in lhcirrt'SpOnse 10 the male cutrentIy usingconlraccpII\'e ""ith the wife. further. 
71.7% of the rouples &&reed in Ihm response that the hushand appro\'es U~ of 
contracepUn"s ;mel 64.7% of them agreed in mt!ir n:sponse that the male contributes ot 
pay for family planning scniccs(Table4.3). 
rabl~ .L1; AJ!reement belWe~n mal~ and (emale partners on male partner's 
iu¥ol¥ementin rami'> planning. , 
PencDt.le 
79.441 
63.96\ 
~.4 Form, of male involvement in family planning 
Sc\o(n qucstioos asked to both couples to ucertain the level male involvement in family 
planninl· Male were considered involved in family planning when both couples agreed 
thatthc male was involved. 
fiJWe 4.1 ShCW''51he involvement of males in family planning maners. 34.3'1. ofthc )94 
rMlC'S had e¥er discussed family planning with their wife, 9.6% of them initiated family 
p&.nnina discussing With their wife, 19.3% of Ihm had C",,=r ancnded family planning 
clinic with their wife and 26.4~. had ever used contraceptives with their wife. Also. 
26.1% of the malcs "'tte currently usingcontracepti"es with their wives. 28.9% of the 
IDIles approved their wives contraceptive use and 14.W. contributn to or pay for family 
planningser.;ces. 
30 
Figure 4.1: . 'onus or mal~ in\,olvelDenl in f;tmil~ pl'lnning 
l.,.,anoPftOtdFP(I ..o CW'thtnfe ----------
'ontrobut"PlYfofFP~rvoCH _ _ ________  
Percent.geofmalesIN~394) 
4.S Ln'el .fmale involnmenl in famil), planning 
A composilC score \Vas computed from the seven forms of family planning and the scores 
categorized in low. moderate and high level of male involvement in family planning. Fig. 
42 shows that 60% of the .'1M male par1icipants had low level of male involvement. 21Ve 
were moderately involved in family planning and 19% were highly invoh-cd in family 
planning 
31 
4.6 Knowledlt' or aude part.en o. ramil) plan.jag 
The majority (81.5·4) of male participmns h8d e\'er heard of family planning and 78.2",. 
knows of contraceptives. 12.lJ-/. of the males knows of another man in the community 
who attend family planning clinic. 20.8% of the males reported to discuss family rlanning 
with Ihcir wife. 59.3% discussed family planning with health worker and :;9.30/. discussed 
&mil)' planning with their friends. 27.920/. of the male partners kno\\5 of health risks of 
male modem contraceptive. 
Table 4.4: Kno,,"ledge of male partnen on family planning 
Y .. 
Variable _____  
~~
UeWo! famil~ planning 71(IK.S3) 321(81.47) 
Know about family planning methods 86(21.83) 308(78.17) 
('an mention uleut one contratcpth"e 343(87.06) SI (12.94) 
Knov.~ about a male modem conu'lIccpliv(' 284(72.08) 110(27.92) 
Mentiunatlcas1oneu.''ieo!contraceptives 278(79.2) 73(20.8) 
32 
4.7 Ln-el of knowledge on male partners on family planning 
About a third (30%) of the males had low knowledS~ on family pliIUllng. 63% had 
moderaIe knowledge and 7% had high knowledge on family planning. Fig. 4.3. 
Figure 4.3: Level of knowledge on male partner'!! on family planninK;. 
".8 Reasons for male involvement in family planninR 
More than a third of the males were involved in family planning issues to space out 
pn:gnanc)' (39.!W.). Slop child birth (39.6'/.) and to delay pregnancy (39.3%). 18.3% of 
the males were involved in family planning to achieve desired family size, L4.50/. were 
in\'ol\,1!'d to pttvcnt STls and 14.()'/" were involved due 10 affordabiJity of family planning 
Figure 4.4: Reuon!l for male ia\'olnmeat in family planning 
I I I I I I 
"'.9 Barrien to ..a le i.vohemeDI iD ramil).' plannin&. 
Over a third (36.3%) of the male partners were not involved in famjly plannina: because 
their wives do not agree thai they use contraceptives. Also. a quarter (25.4%) of them 
were not invoh-ed due 10 the stii;ma thai the) will lose male authority over Iheir "ives.  
..a  fifth (19.3%) due to pressure from peen nol to use contraceptives with their wife 
and stigmali .... lion of males who usc contraceptive wlthi n marita1 relationship as being 
promiscuous (18.5%). Only a few orille males do not involve in family planning due 10 
Its side effects (2·/0) or cost ofcontraccplives (3.3%) (Figure 4.5) 
FiKure 4.5: Burien to male iD\'ol\'emeol in family planning. 
1. . ~.f'O ... f..,.,IyIOtwwlnO'"· 
l"fI"."{.f'OM' .. · ..W lotO!"l .... ""'., 
,~I,"'s"vof1.'~·( .. D'O' 
fot{~otylOO I 
Do~I .. _'n .... "who,l' .. wo/'oed'"f 
servocepro.tderS"OII, .. n{ _ '.6 
(0\10"0. . I''':'''',.r _ 3\ 
hpt. ....u ollldleff«t _ 2.0 
Perte"t.a&eofmalerespond~u 
4.10 Association beflt-een sot:io.demolrapbic characleristi(s of male partkipanu, 
their MlUM 1C'd,e of family planoing and level of male iD\' ol\"f~ment in ramil) 
piaaaing. 
Tbc Parson's chi·square test of 3.S-.oc:iation was used 10 4.S!lCSS lhe characteristics of male 
partners associated with the Incl of male involvement in family planning. All obsef"\cd 
characteristics sho. ... ed signiflCanl a.'S(lCI3Iion with level of male involvemenl in family 
r lanning(p.vaiue<o.OS)(Tablc-l5) 
34 
~~:ri:!~:,~e-:::,o;ii:ti;.~~~~e:n~::~ctcrUth:' or male participanls Ind level of 
Leveiofmalcinvolvemenl Chi-
Variables Low \foderale Wgh 'Quare P·valut 
Ag. 23.04 0.00'" 
<29 40(50.63) 21(26.58) 1812278) 
30-39 75(52.45) 40(27.97) 28(19.58) 
"'0-49 98(66.67) 21 (14.29) 28(19.05) 
~0·59 23(92) 0(0) 2(8) 
Re1i&ioa 118.52 <0.001··· 
I'roIcsIant "6( .'2 8(» 38(27.14) 56(40) 
Calhohc 52(61.90) 17(20.24) 15(17.86) 
Muslim 123(87.23) 14(9.93) 4(2.84) 
Tradilicon .•1  9(75.00) 2(16.67) 1(8 ..1 31 
Oth« 6(35.29) 11(64.71) 0(0) 
Elhnicir. 55.93 <0.00'··· 
G. 46(56.79, 16(19.75) 19(23.46) 
Ak411 56 (l9A4) 39(27.46) 47(ll.l) 
E• • 73(76.84) 16(16.84) 6(6.32) 
Oth<r 61 ('0.26) 11(14.47) 4(5 .26, 
Marri.~cype 35.81 <0.00'··· 
~fonogamow 164(52.56) 73(23.4) 75(24.04) 
Pol~~illfI()u!i 72(87.8) 9(10.98) 1(1.22) 
Eduullonalle\cl 29.38 
l\Otducalwn <0.001··· 12 (85.71) 1(7.14) 1(7.14) 
Primary 16(64) 6(24) 3(12) 
MKldleiJSS 89(66.92) 31(23.31) 13(9.77) 
Secondary 75(52.08) 23(15.97) 46(31.94) 
Tertiary 44(56.41, 21(26.92) 1l(16.67) 
Emplo)mmt 
'tal., 
Untmr10yedJilud 52.44 <0.00'··· 
"" 29(56.86) 14(27.45) Fonnallet1or 8(15.69) 46(41.82) 26(23.64) 38(34.55) 
S<lf-cmployed 153(73.56) 29(13.94) 26(12.5) 
Informalseclor 8(32) 13(52) 
NUlDberof 4(16) 
children 
I child 32.58 24(68.57) <0.00'··· 7(20) 
2 children 4 (IIA3) 41 (47.67) 
3duldren 18(20.93) 27(31.4) 71(50) 39(27.46) 
"children 32(22.54) 57(73.08) 
5%childrcn 11(14.1) 10(12.82) 43(81.13) 
Comm .. 7(13.21) it) 3(5.66) 
ICcepullllle 
panidp.tionm 
FP 
No 115(79.74) 93.2 <0.00'··· 
Yes 27(11.64) 20 (R .6:!} $1(31.48) 55(33.95) 56(34.57) 
35 
Kao,,·ledgelevel 
75.66 <0.001*" 
;:~p 109(92.37) 8(6.78) 1(0.85) 
Moo.- 114(46.15) 67(27.13) 66(26.72) 
Hish 13(44.83) 7(24.14) 9(31.03) 
.:p-,alue<O.OS .• *: p-value <0.01. ••• : p-,·a1ue <0.001. 
".1 I AssodaUon bern-ten characterislics of female partidpanlll lIod le\'el of male 
lnvolnlllf.liaf.milyplannlng. 
Tbe Panoo's Chi-square was wo U3ICd to useS! the association between characteristics 
of the female panncrs and the level of male involvement in family planning. Female age 
ifOUP dtd not shu" siplificant associalion with level of male involvemcat in family 
planning (p-vaJue >o.OS). However. education and the employment status of the female 
partner showed significant association wilh level of male involvement in family planning 
(p<O.05). 
T ablt ".S: A~sodatlon between cbaracteristics of female partnfn and len' of male 
parinerinnl'·flllenlinfamil'·planniag. 
Level of male involvement 
Variables Low Moderate Higb Chi-square P-value 
Female age 3.28 0513 
<29 82(58.16) 33(23.4) 26(18.44) 
)().)9 116(58.59) 42(21.21) ",0 {10.2) 
4049 )8 (6Y.09) 7(12.73) 10(18.18) 
<0.00 1** 
Ftllaked.nlioQ 35.74 
No Educol;on 25(92.59) 2(7.41) 0(0) 
Primary 11(55) 7(35) 2(10) 
MiddlcllSS 65(55.08) 31(26.27) 22(18.64) 
Sc<:ondM) 101 (0871) 22 (14.97) 24 (16.33) 
Ten;",) 34(41.98) 20(24.69) 27(33.33) 
Female employment 
status 17.43 O.OOS" 
Unemployedlotudenl 39(58.211 II (16.42) 17(25.37) 
Fonnalsector 47(64.38) 17(23.29) 9(12.33) 
Self-<mployed 137(59.57) 43(18.7) 50(21.74) 
Informol!CClOr 13(54.17) 11(458)) 0(0) 
•. p-,·alue<O.OS ... : p-\"Iluc <O.Ot. "*:p-valuc '-0.001 
36 
4.11 faciO'" associaled with ~w Inri male involvement in family phtnnin!l. 
The binary logistic regrnsion model was used 10 assess factors associated with low level 
af male im'ah'emcnl in family planning. The }evel of male involvCfT\ent was C8IC,orized 
into a binary variable : low and high. From the adjusted binary log istic rcgrn.sion model, 
malc partner's educalinn and occupation. femaJeoccupalion.knowledgc level of male on 
family planning and community nccepWlce of male parllcipalion in family planning were 
SSIOCiakd with low level of male involvement in family planning (p<O.OS). 
The adjusted odds of low level of male involvement .... liS Significantly IO'A'Cr for male 
partners with middle JSS education (AOR: 0.08. CI: 0.01·0.83,. secondary education 
(AOR: 0.16. CJ: 0.03·0.92) and tertiary level of education (AOR: 0.08, CI : O.02.().27) 
(()fTlparcQ to those with no fonnal level of education. However. the adjusted odds of low 
lew! ofmaJe in\'oh'cmc:nt was not significantly different for lhose with primary education 
(AOR: O.OS. 9S% CI: 0.00·1.18) compared to those with no farmal education. 
Also, the AOR of low le\'el of male involvement was significantly lower for the male 
paMncrs who were employed in the fonnal SC"Ctor(AOR: 0.12, CI : 0.02·0.67) compared to 
those \\ith no employment . Ho~'Cvtr. when compared to unemployed, the AOR of low 
level of maJe involvement in family planning far those who were self-e-mployed (AOR: 
0.61, 9S-/_ CI: 0,14-2.S9) and employed in the informal sector (AOR: 0.49. 950/. CI : 0,06-
4J6)WUllOtsignificMI. 
The- adjusted odds of low level of male involvement was significantly higher among 
IlliLIn with female partners ~'ho "'-en: employed in the formal 5«tor (AOR: 6.62. CI: 
1.76-24.84) and self'<mplo)ed (AOR: 3.96, CI: 1.39-11.27) whm compared to males 
withfemaJepartnerswhowere~c:mployed 
37 
Funher, males ",ith hip level of knowledge of family planning has lower oddJ of not 
being involved in family planning (AOR: 0.04, CI: 0.00-0.42) compared with low level of 
family planning knowledge 
The AOR of low IC\le1 of male involvement in family planning was significantly higher 
(or males in communities that do not accept male participation in family plaruUna 
compared to those in communities thai accept male participation in family planning 
(AOR, J OJ. CI, 1.17-7.BO)(Table 4.6) 
,18 
Table 4.6: factors assodllrtd witb male's 10" involvement in r~mifY ~lanninG.' . 
Crude odds ratio Adlusted odd!! rallO 
Variables UUR ~95% eI) rO\:~~e AUK (95% CI~ p~~:~~e 
A~eormal(' 
<29 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (",r""""",) 
JO·"Q 1.21 (0.62,2.37) 2.25(0.62, 8.16) 
40-49 1.25(0.64,2.45) 1.77(0.51,6.12) 
1.19(0.73, 
SO-59 15.79) 1.79(0.18,18.1) 
Religion <0.001· 0.112 
Catholic 1.00 (. .r erence) 1.00 (reference) 
Prot(stant 0.ll(0.17,O.61) 1.24(0.45,1.42) 
Muslim 7.45(2.18, 42.62(12.11, 
21.29) 118.80) 
Trachlion;11 2.19(0.29, 
19.96) 5.00(0.11,76.55) 
Othe. (empty) (empty) 
E.lInkiC} <0.001· 0.295 
Man 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (refecencc) 
u, 161(0.87,1.0 1) 1.47(0.58,1.75) 
7.1«2.99, 
Ewe 18.01) 2.54(0.69,9.19) 
H ')1 (3.07. 
Oth<, :;~ 85. 0.24(0.01.6.15) 
Marrillgelype 0.001· 0.776 
~ono~amous 1.00 (refererw:e) 1.00 (referrnce) 
25.61(1.51, 
Polygamous 187.14) 1.45(0.11.1"1) 
Mafetduntton <0.00 1· 0.001·-
NoeducarillR 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 
Primary 0.56(0.05,6.00) 0.051000,1.18) 
MiddlelJSS 0.71 (0.09. ~ 87) O.OM ((Uli. 0.8)) 
s..:ondar)· 0.16 {O.02. 1.~9J U.16 (0.01. 0.92) 
Tertiary 0.38(0.05. J.20, O.OX {O.02. 0.27) 
FNialeeducalion 0.0(3- 0.941 
No Edocallon (emp<y) (empty) 
4.50(0.97, 
Primary 20.81) 1.21(0.10, 14.5 1) 
MiddlelJSS 2.18(1.11,4.20) 0.84(0.21,1.46) 
Secondary 2.56(1.16,4.84) 1.15 (O.lR. 1.47) 
Teniary 1.00 (refermce) 1.00 (retl,!rl,!nce) 
MaIcOutllp.'ioa <0.00'- 0.02"-
\'nemployt'dlstudent 1.00 (. .f .....,.) 1.00 (reference) 
fonnalscc.:tor 0.15(0.15,0.81) 0.12(0.02,0.67) 
Self-employed \.l(0.55,l.08) 0.61 (0.14, 2.59) 
Informal sector 0.98(0.26,1.62) 0.49(0.06.4.16) 
fe ••l eoc:tap.lion 0.111 0.011-
' ·nemplo)cd.:audent 1.00 (ref=ce) l.OO(refcfmce) 
I'ormalsector 2.42(0.99,5.88) 6.62(1.76,24.84) 
)" 
Self-employed 1.22(0.65.2.31) 3.96(1.39.11.27) 
InfonnaJ sector (empty) (empty) 
!\fumberofchildren 0.002· 0.742 
I child 1.00 (rcfercnce) 1.00 (reference) 
2chiJdren 0.28(0.09,0.88) 0.49(0.10,2.33) 
3 children 0.44(0.15.1.35) 0.56 (0.12, 2.60) 
4 children 0.88(0.26,3.02) 0.60(0.10,3.66) 
2.15(0.45. 
5+ children 10.26) 1.4(0.16,12.60) 
Knowledge level <0.001' 0.029' 
1.0" 1.00 (reference) 1.00 (reference) 
\1odera1e 0.02(0.00,0.17) U,O!!lO,Ol.O.72) 
Hip 0.02(0.00,0.16) U.U4lO,UU.U.42) 
CoDtm ••t tya«eph 
male participation 
In FP <0.001' 0.022' 
1.00 (ref...-) 1.00 (reference) 
No 5.60 (3.19, 9.82l 3.03(1.17,7.8Ol 
UOR. UMdjusted odds ratio. AOR: adjuSUld odds ralto.CI: conlidence inle",.!. ': p-val....:<O.OS 
Empey: All mnnbcD in th.1 group belongs 10 1M c.legofJ of low involvement in family plannin .. 
ClIAPT[R FIVE 
DlSCl"'~ION 
This study explored male partner participation in ramily planning in the Ga Central 
Municipal Assembly. The findings of this study are discussed using literature from 
previous studies. 
This rnearch indicates that variables such as respondent aae. reliaion, marriage type ~ 
not associated Yo;lh male involvement in family planning. Education. occupation of the 
male and his partner, knowledge about family planning and community acceptance of 
male IR\ohcmcnt IR family planning affect their participation. 
5.1 uvelor ..a leiovolvemenlinfamilyplanning 
The Sludy revealed that mon: of the: male participants. 60% had low level of male 
involvement in family planning whiles 21% moderately involvc in family planning. 
Lasaly. only I~/. were highly involved in family planoin •. This could be thai in the 
Ghanaian context women are SC'('n 10 be more responsible for children as a result their 
influence on children are greater. Also. rom of IOday feel left out when it comes to birth 
control and contrDli:eption hence might have accounted for the low level of involvement of 
the maJes in family planning. 
Nonetheless. few of the men may Yoant to be more involved in decision-making on 
reproductive health because if his partner gets pregnant. he's the rather, a role that cames 
parental responsihilities and obligations. 
Lutly. in many cultures, even though women are cxpected to malo.c thete kinds of 
d«isions. tbe~ rna)' not have enough infoml8lion or comrol over the final outcome. 
Educating men in this regard nlIy be pertic:ularJy crucial to prevent unintended 
pregnancies and improve reproductive health 
5.2 Knowledce of males concerning family planning 
The resuJts of the study show that most men have nn!ragc knowledge about the family 
planning issues. A survey conducted by IjadWlola et at. (2010) revealed that the level of 
knowledge OD modem family planning mcthods by men was higher. Those with high 
level of knowledgc were more likely to be involved in family planning with their 
partners. The finding oftbis study corroborates that of Wiafe (2015) that most men havc 
the perception that it is not necessary to discuss family planning issues with thcir wives or 
partnerS because family planning is mainly the responsibility ofwomcn; hence wives 
should make decisions concerning family planning. Funhermore, and did not knows 
health risks of male modem contraceptive were more than those who knows or practiced 
such. These findinas continn me report. by Kaida el al. (2005) that lack of couple 
communication, trust and couple counseling impedes their knowledge, It further revealed 
Ihat minor of the men had very littlc knowledge on family planning. The finding in this 
study agrees with the studies by 2014 GDHS results that almost all the men interviewed 
know at least one method of contraception. Hov.-ever. other researches have demonstrated 
Ibat though men are well infonned about family planning services, the same cannot be 
said of its thC'ir use (NDHS Mate Module. 2003; Mason, 2010; Wiafe, 2015), 
5.3 ReasoRs for male involvement in family planning 
The findings of this sludy showed that almost all men ha\'e heard about family planning 
but not all of them wl!:r~ invol\·~d. The respondents explained that they have heard of the 
family planning and appreciate its contribution to the famil)'s welfare. For (his reason, 
male panners were involved. 'Ibis study also agrees with the report by Wiafe (2015) who 
reported lhat most men willingly to tDe FP services because of its importance. 
42 
The respondents who were involved said their communities accept the act of men 
accompanyina their wife (0 family planning so they accompanied their wives to the clinics. 
They did so because they desired to space births. achieve a reasonable family size and 
preventSTIs. 
5." Barriers to malt' participation in family plaoning 
Most malt's have heard of family planning in general. but use it. The cost in drivina a 
suceessfu] family planning is a great concern that limits to male involvement in family 
planning_ Bruce (2013) reported that time is one of the common obstacles that hampers 
family planning service when men are mentioned. From the findings, somc men agreed 
that they know some of the family planning methods but their wives never allowed 
(36.3Vo) to use them. The men explained that their wives insist me method is not helpful 
This FP programme focusing on women, but married "'Omen are reluctant to usc: 
conlnK:eptivc:s; only 22% of married women in Ghana use modem contraceptives (Ghana 
statistical Service et aI., 201S) This finding is in line with Wiafe's (2015) study repon 
that most of the men (56.5%) thought that health talks given at family planning clinics are 
WlhelpfuJ. thus most of them considered it a complete waste of time. 
This linding is in line with Kaida et aI. (2005) who statt.-d that their respondents proposed 
that data on ramily planning should be accessible where there are males (e.g. workplaces. 
rntaurants and other community areas where males tend to gather). 
Partidpantsproposcd that radio messages should bc strategically broadtast as it 
a significant IOUI'Ce or family planning data for males. These reasons have made some 
men to know very little about family planning. Some mentioned th .. they wen: not 
involved in family planning because of shyness. Thcse findings agree with Wiafe (20 I 5) 
who r'q)Ortcd that some of his respondents (24.40/.) said the most common problem of 
43 
familyplanniogfacebymcn",lISshyness. 
Regarding!lideefTccts. the resuits show that side effects (wheUterpereeived or rcaI) isa 
barrier 10 male in\'olvemcnt m family planning. The main barriers mentioned w~ 
mfertility and obesity. There was 4 general consensus that men are afraid to 10 in for 
\'asectomy becaus~ they cannot have more kids if they remarry if there is a divon::eor 
death of a partner. Tanzania. 00 the perception of men stated that men do not usc the 
family planning service themselves because they think it was bad for health. and oondoms 
were allO considered to be negative for several reasons (Bongaarts.. 2006), 
Mullany (2006). men's sisnilicant harriers to maternal health involve low levels of 
understandin&, social stigma., shyness and embarrassment. The males were of the opinion 
that there are no rules or taboos that prevent them from accompanying their partners to a 
family planoin, unit. but since family planning is usually regarded as \\ omen's 
rHpOnSibility. most males do not feel very comfortable accompanying their panners to 
family planning units 
lbe gcnttaI opinion is that famil)" planning looked more female-oriented and arc therefore 
not male-friendly; hence the low patronage oflhe 5erviccs. A similar study con ducledin 
lIonn, Nigeria, observed that males often f~1 Une8')' and unwelcome .1 these clinics 
(O\awepo and Okcdare. 2006). Some of the panicipants also believed that some religious 
OrpniutJun!) arc fro"ning on famil~ planning; th~forc. very religious people do not 
allow their panncr.l to usc any famil)" planning method. Generally speaking. most males 
would not ope for famil)" plannin&, although they believed it was good. In • rnearch 
conduclI:d in Mwanza. most males were prqtered 10 aet in"ol\'ed in family p1anni"l but 
this and other studies sho", that community pcrtcption about mate parti«:ipetion 
dis«:ourage them from pankipatlon. A re5C'arch undcnaken by Mullany (2006) found that 
absence of underslAJ'lding SboU1 family planning to affect their participation in family 
planning. The research findings disclosed that very few masculine partners talked 10 
heallh employees about family plannirlg prol'llcms. 
Wwe (201S) revealed thai most males did not talk to their partners about family plannirl8 
problems because &hey felt WlCasy about it. 1be debate was mostly by male partners that 
maJes did not consider it nei:es~ to discuss family planning problems wilh their wives 
or IWOCLales because they believed that family pllllUling problems arc primarily women', 
responsibility and therefore women should make all family planning choices. Others did 
DOt !CC why they should practice family planning. so they never discuss fwnily planning 
with their partners. Some also said they rarely have sex with their wiVC5 and therefore did 
001 sec the oeed 10 diKUSS family planning problems with tlh.·m Only \\;th men's 
pauonage can one evaluale the providers' field anitudes. procedures, and skill$ to deal 
with ma.sculinc customers and their particular needs. 
5.S Lhallationl of the Stud), 
The study was limited by its design. lhat as, a cross-sectional study where issues such as 
dishonesl of responses might be given. To reduce thcse limitations, rnpondenls were 
urged 10 give honeSI rcsponses. In iddition, v.ivc50fthe men were also inler'\"icwe dand 
the results used to \"erify the authenticifY of the husbands' accounts. The ensured that the 
results provided ref1e<:tsthatreal situation since inconsistencies in the response hctween 
husbands and wives were addressed. Again, causal relationship cannot be atablished 
since this is. cross·scctional study. Also, both couples were interviewed to delennine Ihe 
consistence in their responses. 
45 
CHAPTER SIX 
CO~CLl SIONS A~D RECOMMENJlATIONS 
"ICo«lusions 
This study show'S thatthcre is a relationship between mule involvement in family planning 
and male educationaJ attainment and occupation, their partners' occupation. their 
knowledge of family planning and the commWlity's acceptance of male participation in 
f:ltl'ul)' planning were as..~o.;.ah,·d \dth low level ofmalc involvement in family planning. 
Though males understand family planning, very few put their knowledge into practice due 
to stigma in the: communitks. Community members including females think that family 
planning is a woman's affair and see it stranac for men to take part in family planning. As 
• result. most males hI\e never visited family plannina ltIy clinic and others have 
attended family planoina clinic only once. The main reasons why maJes are not involved 
In family planmng Ite because of the stiiffi8 thai they will lose their masc:ulim- \"'OWt'1" and 
peer pressW"e, Some othcrs also are notin\'olved because of (ncir wives' disappro" al of 
contracepti\'CuseinthcmarilaJ~lationship, 
6.2 RecommeDd.tioru. 
!lased on the findif1i:~ HI' the stud)'. the following recommend.tions are made; 
./ The study m:ommmd! that a conscious etTon should be mlde by the Ghana 
Health Scnice and other stakeholders 10 address perceived side etTec:ts of 
contraccpll\Cl> 
./ Nunes must be b'ained OQ best CUSlOmcr SCI" ices to help enc:oUl1lj( men 10 
patronize the (amily plannioaunit. 
./ Health worken should gi,"c cdu..:ationaJ talks on family planmng at the outpatlenl 
departmcnts,durinaconununitYd~,festiVa1SandotherSOCiaJgatheringsto 
addn:ss the stigm.t .aacbed 10 male's ln~ol~('rnent in family planning and 
REFERENCES 
Abraham, W .• Adamu. A .• & Derc •• D. (2010). The involvement men an applicati.on .of 
transtheoretical model in family planning m WoJayeta SOOdo town south Edtiopta. 
Asian J .\fed Sci , 2(2):44-50 
Ad ..... R.M.K., Seffah, J. D .. H;II, A. G., Darko, R., Dud&, R.B., & Anarfi, J. K. (2009) 
ContnlCcptive Use by Womco in Accra. Ghana: Results from the 2003 Accra 
Women 's Health Survey. African Journal ofR eproductlw Health, I J(1). 23-133 
A~~'~:,:~~8·i!c~~7:~:;;;~20~)·u:o~ I:~~~':~.~~~~,: 
M~dJcine & Imerna/ionaf H~allh 10. no. 4 366-378. 
ArmdhaIi. C. (2011). Male involvement in Family Planning and ReprOOuc:(ive Heahh in 
rural central India. Acadcmic Dissertation Univenty of Tampere. School of Health 
Scicnc:es International POS1~ndualc Programme in Epidemiology Finland. Pal6 
Ba;den, F., Hodgson. A., AdJu;k. ~. , Adongo, P., Ayaaa, B., & B;nk., F. (2006). Trend 
and causes of neonatal mortality in the Kassena-NankDn8 district of northern Ghana, 
1995-2002. Tropical ~dl""lW & internotional Malth, 11(4),532-539. 
Berhane. A., Biadgilign. S .. Amberbir. A., Morankar. S., Berhane. A., &, Deritlc, K. 
(2011). Mco' s knowledge:. spousal communication about modem family planning 
methods in Ethiopia. AfrJ Reprod Heal/h. 1.5(4).24-32. 
Bhatia, D.N. (2011). Involvement of males in antenatal care, birth preparedness, 
exclusi\'e brast f«dina and immunizations for childrm in Kalhmandu, Nepal. BMC 
PregnanCJ'Chtldhirth. 13(1), 14. 
Bishwajit, G .• Tang, S .. Yay. . S., et.t (2017). Factors associated with male involvement 
in rcproducth'c care: in BanSlldesh. BAfe Public Health. 17( I), 3. 
Bulto. D., & \1buru, S. (20IS). Faclon Associated with Male Involvement in Family 
Planning tn West PokOi County. Kenya. UnJ~rsal Journal of Public Health, )(4). 
160- 168 hnps:' 'doi.orgr IO.13189/ujph.20IS.030404 
Cates. W. (2010). hmily Planning: The essential link to achieving all eight \1i11ennium 
Oe\'elopmer1t Goals. Contraception , B/, 460-461 
Cleland, J., Conde-Agudelo, A .• P~m. H. • Ross, J •• &: Tsui, A. (2012). Contraception 
0IId bealth.IAne." 380,149-56. 
D,vU, J., Vyllnkandondera, J., Luc:hters, S., SIJIlOIl, 0., '" Holmes, W. (2016). MaJe 
involvement in reproduclhc. matcmal and Child. health: I qualitativc study of 
policymaker and practitioner pcnpec1ivcs in the Pacific. Reprod H~olth, /)(1), 1-11 . 
Freeman, D., Dwm. G.; Gor<!)', P., Weinman, J., Kwpcn, E., Fowler, 0., & Bebbinaton, 
P. (20.12) . Patllm~ behefs about lhc. causes, .~rsistence and control of psychotic 
;X~e;:s~:c:~~~f dT«ll\'c COgRltlVC behaviota" therapy for ps~chosis 
Ghana, Slatistica1 Sen,ic.c (GSS). Ghana Health Service (GHS) &: ICF Macro. (20IS) 
Ghana DeIflOWophlC ond H~ol," Swwy. Accra. Ghana: GSS, GHS, II: ICF Macro. . 
Ghana Statistical Service. (2011). Ghana Multiple Indicawr Cluster Survcy with an 
enhanced Malaria Module and Biomarker. Final report. Accra Ghana. 
Green. P.C. & 1. ehens, (2003). HBe Male Involvement in Reproductive Health . CPO 
UNFPA. Paper 27. Report available at: http://www.cpd.org.bdfpub_ 
attacblunfpa27.pdf 
Heinemann, (2005). Male Participation in family; A Review of Pro~~~d Appr~hes 
in the Africa Region. Paper presented at workshop on male pamCtpatlOn, Banjul the 
Gambia, London.Hossain. KJ 2003, "Mate Involvement in FP in Banaladcih: 
Factors Constraining Low Use and the POlenfia! for Augmenting the CPR". CPD~ 
UNFPA.Paper.27 
Hussain. N. (2011). CORUnWlity Medicine & Health Education Demographic • Socio~ 
Economic and Cultura.l Factors Affecting Knowledge and Use of ContIXcption 
Differentials In \1alda District, West Bengal. 1(1), 1-9. 
bups:lldoi.orgJIO.4 I 72Jjcmhc . 1000102 
Ijadunola, M. Y. • Abiona. T. C.  .IjadWlola. K.T .. Afolabi. O. T .• Esimai. O.A .. & 
OlaOlorun. f. M. (20 10). Male Involvement in Family Planning Decision Making in 
lIe~Ife. Osun State. Nigeria. African Journal of Reproducti~ Heallh. /4(4).45 
Islam. M. A .• Padmadas. S. S .• & Smith. P.W.F. (2006). "Men's approval of family 
planning in Bangladesh." UJ Rio.we SciU. 38(2),247·59 
Jayalakshmi. M. S .. Ambwani, K. . Prabhakar, P. K .• & Swain. P. (2002). A study of male 
involvement in family planning. Htalth and Population: Perspectives and Issues, 
15()).11J-12l. 
Kabwiau. S. (2001). ObSlOcI~s ttl {JIlrtidpalJon in family planning: a study In Klyeyi • 
Tororodistrict 
Kania, A.. iGpp. W. • Hes~1. P .• &;. Konde~LuJe, J. (2005). Male participation in fami ly 
planning: Results from a qualitative study in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal of 
Biosocial Sciertee. J7(3), 269-~86. https:lldoi.orglI0.JOJ71S0021932004007035 
Kassa, M .• Abajobir. A. A .. & Gedcfaw, M. (2014). Level of male involvemcnt and 
usociated factors in family planning services utilization among manied mcn in 
Debremarkos to"'Tl, Northwest Edtiopia. RMe Internotional Health and Humull 
Rights. /4(1). I-S. httpsJ/doi.orgIIO. IIS6/,129 14-014-00))-8 
Kaye, O.K .• Kakaire. 0 .. Nakimuli. A .• Osinde. M.O .. Mbalinda, S.N., & Kakande. N. 
(201~). Male in\"ol~ernenl during tnenancr and chiJdbinh: men's perceptions. 
prachc.1!'S and expencnces during the cart for women who developed childbirth 
complications in MuJago Hospi1A1. Uganda. RMe PrtgnancyChildhirth. 14(1). 1-8. 
Kura, S .. VLnce. J. t & Chiven--Crouch. p, (2013). Malc involvement in sexual and 
n:'~OIJu;:tI\C in, ~ Mendi district. Southern Highlands provinve of Papua Ncw 
GUinea . adcscnptl\"c study. SMC RefNod Heal .• 10. 9.l-IOO. 
I.e¥lis, S., Lee. A .• & Simkhada., P. (2015). The role of husbands in matcrnal health and 
~eO~hildbirth in rural Nepal : a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childblnh. 15(1), 
49 
Mason, E. J. (2010). Identifying F3Clo~ of Influence on Family Planning Practices, 1"'('7. 
Mukasa, A. (2009). A Lilcralurc Review of the Currenl Status of Family plannins in 
Uganda. Heal,It ConunumnJ/iDtt Partnership, (September). 
Nzioka, C. (:!OO8). Factors iinfluencing male inlcrest in Family Planning in Kenya. 
Pemberton. K S. (2012). Knowledge. Attitudes and Practices of Family Planning 
Methods Among Women Anending Axim Government, 4(May), 18-25. 
Reynolds, H.W .. Janowitz. B .• Wilcher, R. and. Cales, W. (2008~. Contraception to 
prevent HIV positive births: Currenl contnbulion and pOlcnllal cost sa\ mgs in 
PEPFAR countries. Sex Tramm/nfocl. 84(Supplll).ii. 49-53. 
Schuler, R.S. ([999). Gender and community participation in reproductive health 
projects: Contrasting models from Peru and Ghana. R~produc/lve Heal,h Mon~,.s. 
7(14).144-157. 
Scdgh. G .• Singh. S., Shah, I.H .• Ahman. E., Henshaw. S.K .. & Bankolc, B.(2012). 
Induced aOOnion: Incidence and trends worldwide from 1995 to 1008. Lancet. J79. 
625-32. 
Sharma, S .• Bhu\·an. K. C .• 4: "'-hatri, A. (2018). Factors influenCing male participation in 
reproductive heallh: A qualitative study. Journal of Multidisciplinary Heolrhcare. 
11.601--608. https:'/doi.orgilO.2147fJMDH.SI76267 
Shreslha. S .• Bell, J.S .• &. Marais. D. (2014). An analysis of factors linked (0 the decline 
in maternal monality in Nepal. PLoS One; 9(4).93029. 
Silumbwe. A .• l'o:k.ole. r.. Munakampe. M. N .• Milford, C. Cordero. J. P .• Kriel. Y .•... 
Sicyn. P. S. (~018). Communi I)" and health systems barriers and enablers to ramily 
planning and contraceptive services provision and use in Kabwe District. Zambia. 
SMe Hem,h Services Re.ftarch. 18(1). I-II. hnps:lldoi.orgiIO 1186.,12913.018-
3136-4 
Soremekun. O. (2014). Factors that Influence Male Involvement in Family plannina: A 
Qualitative study ofmeo of reproductive age in lbadan North East and North.West. 
Eurflpcan Joumal of Public Heal/It. 24, 36. 
Swain. P .• &. Wefare, F. (2015). A study of male invol\'emenl in family planning A 
STUDY OF ~At.E INVOLVEMENT IN FAMILY PLANNING. (July 2002). 
fokhi, M .• Comrie·Thomson. l.. Davis., J. • Ponela, A .• Chmich. M .• & luchlers. S 
(2018). InvolviOi men 10 improve maternal and newbom health: A systematic 
review of me effectiveness of interventions. PLoS Onr.! J( I). cOI91620 
Voukina. ~ l .. ~~'ina. C. !'., ~ Tadenfllk. C. N. (2014). Male involvement in family 
planmng deCISion makina 1ft sub-Saharan Afric.t. what the e\'idence suegests. Pan 
African Medical Journol, /9, 1-5. hnps:lldoi.orglIO.t 1604/pamj.19.349.S090 
W·)~bI~sh'!/~~~ 8~o~~=cs: A Foundation for Analysis in Hcahh Scicnces. 
waruf:':'o7K~~I:~~~~o;-~ k~:::1:~:; ,:~~C;\.~~;~rN:::~nK u 
50 
WHO (2012) Repon: At.kInullfg tlw clwJl/~nges of women'~ Malth in Africa. ReporlOf 
the commission on women', health in Africa. WHO Africa Officc. 
WHO (2015). WHO reconunendltions on health promotion interventions for maternal 
and newborn he.lIh (Internet1; Available from: 
http://app5. wbo.intfuislhilStrcamll 0665/1 72427/1/978924 I 508742Jepon_cna.pdf. 
Accessed November 30.2018 
Wiafe. E. (201 5) . .W a/~ Involvement In Family Planning In The Sunyani Municipality. 
Unh-eniry of Ghana. Retrieved from hnp:/luaspace.ue.edu.gh 
Yarlawa. J., & Leonardi-Bee, J. (20IS). Male involvement and maternal health out-
comes: systematic review and meta-anaJysis. J £pidemiol Community Health. 
69(6),604-612. 
Wiafe, E. (2015). Male Involvement in Family Planning in the Sunyani MunucipaJity, 
(l0262364), 1-102. 
51 
APPENDICES 
APPENDIX I, QUESTlO!'lNAlRE FOR MALES 
QCESTIONNAIRE ON PART!'IER INVOI.VEMENT IN FAMILY PLANNING 
My name is Sophia Hoateng" a student of the School of Public Health. University of 
Ghana. I am conducting a research on male partner involvement in family planning. 1ms 
(orms part of the requirement for the award of a Master of Public Health deg.n:c. If you 
agree to be part of this study, I would ask you a few questions which require answers. 
Your participation is voluntary and you are free 10 withdraw from the interview at any 
lime. But I would be very grateful if you participate in the study to conlribute to c)tiS1ing 
knowledge on family plaMing. 
Males 
Section A : Socio-Demographic and background Characteristics 
N Questions c' 
ARc'! 
AO.or_ 
Sex I.Male 
2. Female 
• Religion? ).Prot(sWlt 
2.CalhoHc 
3. Muslim 
4. Traditional 
S.OIh,,(SpecifYJ 
5 Ethnicity? I.Oa 
2.Akan 
3. Ewe 
4. Other {speciM 
6 Typc-ofmarriagc? 1. Monogamous 
2.PolvUmous 
7 level of formal education? 1. No Education 
2. Primary 
l.MiddJelJSS 
4. Sccondllr) 
S. Tertian' 
8 EdUClllioo1evelofyourwife1 1. No Education 
l.Pri",",> 
3. MiddlelJSS 
4.Sec;ondary 
S2 
S. Tertiary 
9 WhafisyourOCt'upation? I . Unemployed 
2. FonnaJsectoremployee 
1. Self.-mlploycd 
4 . Student/Apprentice 
S. Infonnal5eC1orern loyec 
10 Wbuistheoccupationofyourwife'? I . Unemployed 
2. FonnaJsecloremployee 
3. Self-employed 
4.StudentlApprentice 
S. Jnformalse<:lOrem loyee 
[ [ How many chlld~n do you have 
12 How many of your children are alive 
13 Who decides on the nwnber of My wife 
childten you should have'? Myself 
Mywifcnnd i 
(scleclal l that apply) My friends 
Myfami ly(Sp~ify) I 
My in-law'S (Spec ify) 
Othcr!fuecify) 
14 In thi5 conummity. is it acceptable for I. Yes 
I maJcs to participate in family planning'? 
2. No 
1.5 Ifycs.wby'? 
L If ... wlty'! _________ _ 
S«lion B: Kno'l'lIf'dCe of family planning 
Response, 
I. Yes 
2. No 
2. Ifye!;. ""hat isthesourceofinformation I . Your husbtlnd 
2. Health work~ 
3. Yourfriend 
The media 
Other SDeCifl'l1 
) Wlw is family plann.ina? 
.. Do you know about contracepti\es'? t. Yes 
2. No 
S Name the contraceptives tbat you know 1, Traditional methods (JPCcify) 
i" M~~·~~~··· 
) . Female condom 
53 
4. Intrauterine device (IUD) 
S. Pills 
6.lnjectables 
7. Emergency contraceprive I 
8.VaseclOmy I 
9. Female sterilization 
IO.Olhcr(Socci[,) ... i 
6 Do you know any man in this community I . Yes 
who .!lends family piannine with the wife? 2. No I 
7 Hu any of the following people ever I. Your wife. I 
dixuued family planning with you'? 2. Health worker 
(rick all thal apply to you) 3. Yow-friend 
4. Othe"(Spe"fYI 
8 DO)'ouknowanyheailhriskscxperienoed I. Yes 
b ' malemoderncontcaccptiveuscrs? 2.No 
19 Iryes. can you mention them'? i: ~:;:~~~;C:~::a~ion 
3.Scxualweakness 
4. Impotence 
S.Weiahtgain 
6. Nausea 
7. Vomit;na 
8.Weiafltloss 
9.01hen SD«ifv) 
Stclton (': Hi,lo,,) of eo Diner pi he un 
~o. ' ~::I;~:Se,.er used an) modem ~;~~~~nses ...,.[--,J-------1~c. 
contraceptive?(lfno,skiptoqueslion 2.No [ ] 
4) 
Ifycs, with whom did you usc the I.Girlfriend [ I 
contraceptive? 2. Casual partner 
l.Wife f II J 
Ifwife.areyoustillusingthc I. Yes 
contl'lCcptivewithbu? 2. No 
Ifno ...... hydidyounotuse I. Peer pressure not to use contraccptives 
contnlccptiveswithyourwife'? with wife becauac: Ihe will hive 100 
(Select all that apply to you) much power 
2. StijpnatiDt~ of male contracepti"e I 
ltItt1 U promiSCUOUS I 
3. My wife does not approve of me usina 
contrlCeptivnwitbher 
4. SbyofKrViecproviders 
S. Fear of aide effects 
6. FKility too far 
7. CostofcontracC'pli\'r noc affordable 
:~~(~~.,..nocfri<ndly 
lfglrlfiimdandcasuaJpartncr.why I. Peer pressure not 10 UK 
did you stop? contraceplivcsbecause 
girlfriend/casuaJpartnerwillha\"e 
too much power 
2. Sligmatization of male 
contraceptive uxrs as 
promiSCuous 
3. ~)'girlfric:ndcasuaJpaI1ncrdidnol 
approveofmeusinacontrac:qnives 
wilhhcr 
4. Shy of se n ice providers 
5. Experienced side etfects 
6. fearofsideefTeclS 
7. facility too far 
I 8. Cost of contraceptive not affordable 
9. No time to access family planning 
services 
10. Service providers arc not friendly 
lJ.Others(Sp.c;fy) 
If yes. ",hydid you use contraceptive I .De1ay~gnanc)' 
wi\h",;fc? 2. SpKcprcgnanc)' 
3. Stop child binh 
4. Preventsexuall)lransmined 
infections 
S. To achieve my desired family size 
6. Family planning SCTViccs arc 
afford:tble 
7. Other (spe<;fy) 
, 7 Ofthc reasons you ha\t: selected, 
which one do you think is the most 
important reason why you stopped 
~n&contraceptives? 
Ifcxpetienced side cffC'Cts. what did 1. InfectiollJ(Spccify) ... 
youn:peric:ncr" 
Select all that ,pol i:g::,'7s=:7)· 
Are you usingconb'acq)tiveswichout I. Yea 
lyourwife'sknowlC'dae? 2. No 
10 Ifyes.why? 
11 Ifoo.why? 
Selttt tbe perttn·cd dde eft'edI of tbe rolknvlnK contracepltves 
-Injntabln Sptrmlddtt 
I.c.u ....· , bareneu 
1. Imp,IM mcnJn , I. CauJcsbllmmgKnsalion 
J. """""pin I 2. Other (Spcc;fy) 
~ Ceuwtbart 
S. C ..... probl. .... 
• Onl con~nce rtv" 
ss 
6. Causesdizzincss I . Heart problems 
7.0lhn (Spec;fy) 2. Chest problems 
3. Headache 
4. Weight gain 
5. Irregular menses 
• Im plant 6. Excessive bleeding 
I . Weight gain 7. Causes bareness 
2. Weight loss 8. Vaginal discharge 
3. VaginaJdischarge 9. Causes nawea and vomiting 
4. Pains in breast and body IO.Other(Spedfy) .... 
S. O""r (Spec;fy) 
• n :CD 
I. Vaginal discharge 
• Fem. le condom 2. Weight gain 
I. Can tcarbW'St and damage the womb 3. ~enstrual re lutedproblems 
2. UnpJeasantsmell 4. Cervical cancer 
3. PrevenlS people from enjoying sex S. Excessive bleeding during menses 
4.0lhn (Spec;fy) 6. Otner(Spccify) .... 
• Vasectom) 
I\blecondom I. Experience pain during sex 
I .Can tear 'burst and damage the womb 2. [mpO(~ 
1. l ·npkasalllsmell 3. Sexual weakness 
3 . Pn= \·en ls~pl~fromcnjoyinBsex 4. Other (Specify) 
4. Other (Specify) 
• Rhythm method 
• Eme"leDC)toDlncepti. .. n I. Can (ai l leading 10 prtgnan~~ 
I IrrcgulilC menstrual cyc1c: ~ . Other (Spec;fy) 
2. Exccssivebleedingduringmcnscs 
3. SevereabdominAl pains 
4. Nausea 
S. Vomiting • Withdnwal 
6. Other (Spec;fy) I. Waist pains 
2. Can (ail leading to pregnancy 
3. Men fail to withdraw at the right 
time leadingtopregnancy 
4. Other (Spec;fy) 
S«tiOD 0 : The In ti of .ale lD <voln meDt In famll~. . planninK le n-ices 
Res onses 
I .Yes 
2. No 
I.Me 
2.M wife 
56 
4. Have you e\'er attended family plannina clinic with I . Yes 
our wife? l.No 
S. HavcyoueverU5Cdcontraceptivewith),ourwife? I. Yes 
l .No 
6. Are you currently usingcontraceplives \\ith your 1. Yes 
wife? 2. No 
1. t'Jroes yow- wi feappro\,eof yourcontraceptives I. Yes 
.... ? 2. No 
- 8 WhopaYiforfamilyplanningservic:es? I . Me 
2. My wife 
J. Bothofus 
4. Others 
S i 
9. Haveyoul'\'crrecClmmcndedfamil) planning 10 I . Yes 
an marnedco~II.",I<,---' ______~ 2-,-","o -____- -'--
Section E: The le\ cI of female participation in family planning? 
N• • • stloo. . I R"".O"'- ~ ..~ -~' 
I Has your wife ever discussed family planmng I . Ye~ 
2 ~ i~~iatrd the discussion? ----tT~:f >'~:':c'w"'ir:e ----
l . Me 
) Have you ever attended fami ly planning clinic 1. Yn 
with our'AiCe? 2. No 
4 HasyourwifecverusedCOfltraceplivewilhyou71.Y" 
2. No 
5. Are you currently usingcontracepti\"cs with I. Yes 
our wife? 2.No 
6. Who nonnally pay. for family plannina I . Me 
SCf'\-icesassnsed 2. My"ife 
3. Othm S cif 
, I>oe~)our\\i r!!'allo", YClutouKcontracepti\!!'s I. Yes 
\. . i,hhcr'? 2. No 
I. Yes 
2. No 
Sectiun (0'; \\ hy do males participate in ramily planolag? 
NO 
tt_ --tu~n.;;;;-;:,;;:-Doy;;;;'o.;;;in;;;;VO;;;;IV:=icd;;;io;r.fam;;;;;l;;y;: -+R_"-i"-'-;"'oe'W"Ia;::CyC=P"':::il"4n=c'-y --~ 
plannine with your wife? Spacepreanancy 
(Select all lhatapply 00 you) Stop ehild binh 
Prevmllnua.uy uvwnined 
infections 
To~ myd~lred family Iia 
FMnilyplaoninaservicesare 
affordable 
17 
7. Other s cif) 
WboIwtw influenced yOW' I Myowndecision 
dectsion to be involved in family 2. My wife 
planol",? 3. Myin·laws(Specify) 
(SdmoJlthatapplyIDYOU) 4. My friends 
S. Myfamily(Sptcify) ... . 
6. To have fewer children 
7. Tohuvetimeformyjob 
8. To achieve my career goaJ 
9. To achieve my educational career 
10, The cost of family plannina 
servicesisafTordable 
11. I know other men who use family 
planningservicellwith theirwivei 
12.0ther S ecif 
Section G: Wh~ arc males nol involved in family planning? 
~o Questions Responses -~ 
I Why are you not involved in ; 1. ()UCh). thcSlll:!m3Ih?II ...... IIII()~m~ i 
ramilyplanning? I .1uthonlyO\~rm)'''''''lfe 
(Select all that apply that appl) to 2. Prcs~urcfrommyP'!crsnotlou!>C 
you) , contrncepti\·es w ilh my wife 
I 
I 1' ::~~~~::::::live 6, Experieneed side erfecls 7,Ftarofsideeffccu 
8.F.cilitytoofar 
9. CostofconlnK:eptiveis nOlafTordable 
10. Servicc ptO\'idcrs not friendly 
t I. Influence from my family to have 
more children 
12. Influence from my in·llW! to ha\·c 
rnorechildren 
13. Don't know any man who is involved 
in family plaMing with hit wire 
14.0thers S df 
I. Exeess;veb1ocdina 
2. Im:auWrnmstr\l.ltion 
3.SexuoJ-.... 
4. 
58 
S. Weiihrpin 
6. Nausea 
7. Vomiting 
8. Weight loss 
OthersS if ") 
Whalaretheperceivedsideeffects 
ofcontraeeptives'? 
If)ouare not currently using Yes 
contraceptivu. \\i11 you use it No 
even thou ourwifedisa ees? 
tfyes-why 
Ifno,why 
Stttion H: Main' famil} pa.nning decision making (For only those involved in 
famllypiaaaing) 
Questions Responses Code 
r.--+'WOO~;~nnku<=~=,,~yo~u'~f~=;~JY--~J~.MU.Y~M~·k~------- ----r--
planningdecisions7 2. Nobody,ldecidtaJone 
(Select all that apply) !: ~~ ~!~~ I 
5. Myfam;Jy(Spedfy) 
6. My in-laws (Specify) 
7.0the<s(.pec;rY) 
Who influence'S your decision to I. Mywife 
uxcontraceptiva7 2. Myself 
(Select all that apply) 3. My wife and I 
4. Myfricnds 
5. MyfamHy(Spedfy) ..... . 
6. Myin.taWl(Specify) .. 
1. Myreliiiousdoctrine 
I. Pastor 
9.0ther,(.pec;f\ 
Who influences your choice of I. Nobody 
contraceptives'? 2. Mywife 
3 Webothagreeonwttich 
contrac:entivetoUJe 
Are you usin,cootraccptivn Yes 
without your wife 's knowlcd&e'? No 
Section I' Opioion Jilhout male par1icip.tion io ramiIY:-p_laO_Oi_O&_ ____  
No. IOuestions --- . Re~DlIeli 
1 !: rl~Up~~:~~~=~~C:same I. Yes 
i clinic. with tbeir husbands? 2. No 
If,,,,, why? 
Ifno. why? 
Do \ ou believe men should UlIe I. Yes 
.;on~cptives in a marital relationship? 
2. No 
IrYes. why? 
Irno.why? 
2. No 
8 Iryes, why? 
9 If no. ",h~? 
10 Do)'oubc:lieve womc:n should usc I. Yes 
contrnceptivC'sinamarilalrdationship? 
2. No 
[(yes, why'! 
12 If no. why? 
13 In your opinion, who ne-cdsto miliatc I. Husband 
family planning discussions'? 2.Wife 
3. Both 
4. Other family members 
l . Other(Specify) 
In your opinion, whalare ihem.1Il 
cballengespreventinamenfromgettina 
involved in famiJy plannina? 
Ci,cle 1111 thaI aDDlv) 
15 In your opinion. why 00 mcn not use 
contraccpthcs? 
16 
In your opinion. what are lhe main 
chaUenaes preventine women from 
gettina involved in f.mily plannina'? 
[(Circle.llth.t,ppM 
How can we improve on femalCi and 
malc's participalion iD family plannina 
scnicnamongrnarrtedcouplcs'? 
Al'I'E~I>lX 2, QUESTIOI'NAII<E FOR fEMALES 
QUESTIONI'A[RE ON MALE PART:-IER [NVOLVEMENT [1'1 FAM[LV 
PLANNING 
My name is Sophia Baateni, a student of the School of Public Health. University of 
Ghana. J am conducting a research on male partner involvement in family planning. This 
fornu part of the requirement for the award of a Masu~r of Public Health degree. If you 
agm= 10 be patloflhis study, I \oYOwdask. you a fewqucstions which require answe rs 
Your participation is voluntary and >'ouare free to withl:lnw from tbe interview at any 
time. But 1 would bc Hry grateful if you participate in the study to contribute toexiSIina 
kno ..... h..-dgeonfamilypianning. 
SeclionA:Socio-DemographlcandblickgroundCharacterislics 
N Queslions Responses 
Aaeofoart.ner 
Sex I.Male 
2. FemaJe 
4 Religion'? I. Protestant 
2. Charismatic 
3. Catholic 
4. Muslim 
5. TradilionaJ 
6. Olh,,(Specify) 
5 Ethni<:ily'! I.Ga 
2. Akan 
3. Ewe 
4.Othtt'~i'" 
6 Typeofmaniage? I. Monoeamous 
2.Polv ....o us 
7 Level of formal education? I. No EdllCation 
2. Prinwy 
3. MiddJelJSS 
4. Secondary 
5.T...w. 
8 Education level ofyOtu hust.nd? 1.1\0 Educ.lioo 
2.Prinwy 
J . M;ddIelJSS 
4.Secondarv 
61 
5. Tertiarv 
9 What is your occupation? I. Unemployed 
2. Formal sector employee 
J.Self-employed 
4.StudentlApprentice 
S.lnfonnalsectoremDloyee 
10 Whatislheoccupationofyourbusband? I. Unemployed 
2. Fonnal sector employee 
J,Self-employed 
4.StudentlApprentice 
S,lnformalsectoremployce 
11 How many children do you have 
12 How many of your children ore alive 
13 In thls community, is itacceplable for J. Yes 
females CO participate in famil p' plannin2? 4, No 
14 Ifno,why? 
Section B: Knowledge offamily planning 
No uestions Responses 
I I Have you heard ahout family planning? 3. Yes 
4. No 
2 lfyes,",hatisiliesourceofmfonnmion 6. Your husband 
7. Healthworker 
8. Your friend 
9. Themedia 
10. Other (Specify) 
) What is family planning? 
4 Do you know about contracepti ..· cs? I. Yes 
2. No 
5 Name the conlraCeplh-C'! that you loo",. II. TraditionaJmethods(Write 
(Selcctall thai apply to you) thename(s) ......... .. 
12. Male condom 
13 Female condom 
14 Intrauterine device (IUD) 
IS. Pills 
16. lnjectabln 
17, Emerpncy contraceptive 
18. Vuec10my 
I 19. Female sterilization 1 20. Other (S.ecify) 
6 Do you know any woman in 1hiI communi!}' I. Yes 
62 
whoanendsfamil . with tbe hUlband? 2. No 
I. Your husband. 
7/,HasanYOCtheCOliowingpeoPleewrdiSCus.sed 
family pI.nnin, with you? 2. Health Worker. /
(fic:kaJlth.t.pplytoyou) 3. Yourfritnd 
4.Others Spc<ify). 
~yoUknowanyhca1thrisksCacedbYfemale l.Yes 
modem conuaccOcive users? 2. No 
9 10. Exc:essivebleedina 
1 :~~I~~n~~.~:;o you) 11. Irregular menwuation 
12. Infections (Specify) 
13 Di ...... (Specify) 
I 
14. Weightaain 
IS. N.use. 
16. Vomiting 
17. Wtightloss 
__________________~ ~O~~e~rs~(!S~pee~ci~~.)..=  ...=  ===~ 
Section C: Histor)' ohontraceplh e use 
1\ 0. untioos 
1 Have you evetusedany modem 
contraceptive? J.No 
If yes. with whom did you use the 4. Boyfriend 
contraceptive? S.Casualponner 
6. Husband 
If husband, are you still usin.the I. Yes 
contraceptive with him? 2. No 
If_why did you "'" 8. DelayPR8/UU1<y 
Contnc:eptiVC3 with your husband? 9.Spoeepr<anon<y 
10. SlOP child binb 
II. Prevent xxually transmitted 
infections 
12. To achieve my desired family 
size 
13. Familyplanninl5Cf'\'ices~ 
I affordable i OtherIDecify) .................... . 
10. Peer prenure not to use 
eontraecpti\'n with husband because 
hc:~illhavetoomuchpower 
II. Stigrnalizationoffcmale 
contrecepciveusersaspromilCuous 
12~~:'~=~~",!~;eof 
13. Sb)'ofserviccproviden 
14. E.J!Crienc<dside.rr. ... 
IS. Fear oflide efrtc1I 
6J 
r--- --------------"'16~.F~~~ili~~~too~w~--------T 
17. Cost of contraceptive not aff'ordable 
18. No time to access famlly plann.ina 
services 
i~: ~~~~~e r=ij'!:CS are not friendl)' 
rfyour boyfriend or casual partner, 
whydidvou5top? 
Of the re&50ns you have selected. 
which one do you think is the most 
important reason why you stopped 
usinR.controccpti\cs? 
If experienced side effects. which of 4. ExcessivebJeeding 
tbescdidyouexpcriencc? S. Irrtgularmenstruation 
(Selc:ctall that apply 10 you) 6.infections(Spe<:ify) .... 
7. Discascs(Specify) 
8. Wei&hlgain 
9. Nausea 
10. Vomiting 
II .Weighlloss 
12. Others (Specify) 
9 Are you using contraceptives without 1 Yes 
!vouthusband'sknowled e? 2. No 
10 Ifyes.wh? 
11 Jfno,why? 
MlecltbC'pen:ei\'edsidcc-ffeClsoftheroJlowinKconlnICt'pliv(s 
elnjectables 
8. Causes bareness 
9. lrrcgularmenses 
10. Weight gain 
II. Causes heart 
12. Chest problems • Oral eonlraceptjve~ 
13. Causes dizziness I I. Heart problems 
14.0Ihcr(Specify) .... 12.Cheslproblems 
1).Headache 
14.Weightgain 
• Impla.t 15. lrreaularmenses 
6. Wcig.htgain 16.ExccssivebJeedina 
7 Wcightloss 17.Causes barmn.s 
8. Vaginal di!>l,;hal~l' 18.Vaainaldischarge 
9. Painsinbrcastand~toJ) 19.Causesnauseaandvomitina 
10. Otber(Specify) ... 20.0thtt(Specify) ........... . . . 
• fo'ema lecondom • lUeD 
I . Can tcal.bun;1 and dama c lhe \Io"OlDb 7. Va 'naldischar e 
64 
2. Unpleasant smell 8.Weighlgain 
3. Prevents people from enjoying sex 9. Menstrual related problems 
'.Other (Spec;fy) IO.Cervicaicancer 
II.Excessive bleeding during menses 
12.0ther(Specify) .. 
!\1alecondom • Vasec.omy .... ·1 
I.Can tearlburst and damage the womb 
5. Experience pa;n during sex .1 
3.Unplea.sanlsmell 6, [mpotence 
3. Pre\-entspeople from enjoying sex 7, SexuaJw~aknt:ss 
8, Other (Specify) 
Other (Specify) 
• Rhythmmethod 
• Emergeocycootraceptives 3 Can fail leading to pregnancy 
7_ Irregular menstrual cycle 4. Other (Specify) 
X hcessi\icbleedmgJuringmenses 
9. Severeabdominalpains 
10,Nausea / 
• Withdra"al 
11.Vomiting 5.Wrustpains 
12. Other (spedfy)/ 6, CanfaHleadinelopregnancy 
7, Men fail to withdraw II the right 
time leading 10 pregnanc)' 
8,Other (Specify) 
Section 0: The le,'cilif malc partner in'·oh'ement in ramily planning !lcn'ices 
8 Ifno.skiptoQuestion4 
! 9 Who initiated the discussion? I.~c 
2. My husband 
10, Have you ever an.ended family planning clinic J. Yes 
wilhyourhusband? 2. No 
11. Areyoucurrentlyusingconuaceptivcs\\oilh I. Yes 
[yourhusband? 2. No 
12. Does your husband approve your contraceptive I. Yes 
use? 2. No 
13. lias your husband ever used contraceptivewilh I. V. . 
iyuu? 2.No 
14. Whooorma\lypaysforf...ulyplanning I. Me 
SCTVicesaccessed? 2.Husbond 
3. Bothofus 
4. Other Soedfy) I 
IS. Have you C',·er recommended famil ~- plannine I. Yes 
65 
[toanymarriedcouple? IZ. No 
Section E: The level of female participation in family planning? 
~ Questions Responses 
~--~·H~~~e~yo~ue=v.~rd~;~~~~~Mfi,"mu~·ly~~'I.~Ye~s---------1-
planning 'Alim your husband? 2. No 
Who initiatc:d the discussion? I . My husband 
2.Me 
Have you ever attended family I.y., 
planning clinic with your husband? 
2.No 
Have you ever recommended family I. Yes 
planning to nny marric:d couple? 
2.No 
Havc: you ever used contraceplivc ""ith t. Yes 
your husband? 
2. No 
Are you currently usingcontraceptivcs 1. Yes 
with your husband? 
2.No 
Who nonnally pays for family p1armins 4. Me 
$Crvicesassessed S. Myhusband 
6.0Ihcrs(Specify) 
Doyoua~thathusbandsshoulduse I. Yes 
contraceptives with Iheir ,,;ves? 
Z.No 
Section F: Why do females participate in family planning? (For females involved in 
family planning) 
QuntionJ Respon.ell c, 
Why are you involved in family I 1. Delay pregnancy I 
planning 'Nith your husband? 2. SpaccprelPW'CY 
3. StopchildbUth 
I 4 Prcvenlsexuallylransmined 
infections 
5. To achieve my desired famil), size 
6. Familyp1anninaserviccsare 
II 
affordable 
7. O!hcrISDeC;!vl 
Wholwhat influenced your : !:~; :::':i5ion 
66 
dccisionto be involved in family 15.Myin-laws(Specify) .. 
planning? 16. My friend. 
17.Myfamily(Specify) .. 
(Scicci IlII that apply to you) 18. Tohavefewerchi ldrcn 
19. To Iwvc time for my job 
20. To Kbieve my career goaJ 
21. TOlCbievemyeducationalcarecr 
22. The cost of family planninl services it 
affordable 
23. I know other women who 10 10 family 
I planning clinics with their husbands I 24.0ther Specify} 
Section u; Why are females not involved. in family planning? (for those not involved in 
fomilyplannina) 
No ~ns-- - ------,,"R=e'p=on='.=-' ------,r. 
Why are you not involved in 15. Due to the stigma thai I will 10K 
fam.ilyplanning? authori'YovermYhU,band 
I 16. Peerprns.urenottoU5e (SelectaJlthatapply) 
l contracepth'es with husband 17. Stigmatization of female conlru.;epliveuscrsaspromiscuQus 
1M My husband does ROI agree that I 
UK contraceptives \\;th him 
19. Fcclingshyofservicepro\'iders 
20. Experienced side efTects 
21. fcatofsidecifecll 
22. Facility too far 
23. Cost of contraceptive is not 
affordable 
24. Service pro\idcr.;; not friendly 
25. Influence from my flmily to bave 
more children 
26.lnfiuenec from my in-laws to have 
more children 
21. Don't know any woman who is 
involved in family plannin, with the 
hUlband 
I 28. Othcn(Spccify) 
Whatarethemainchallenaes 
prnm1ina men from beiDa II. ~=;~;~~~:!1:=:n!: 
InHlhcdinfamil):plannina7 UpronllSCUOIlS 
females who use family services hI,,·c 
too much power over Iheir husbMds in 
Ihobome 
67 
) . Peerpressurcnotlousccontracepl1ves 
wilhwife 
(Circle ell 'hI apply) 4. Lack or male ramily planning 5Cn'icc 
providers 
S. Stigmalization of male contraceptive 
6. Their ....; ves will nil! approve their 
contraccpmcuse 
7. Fcwer,ontraceplivechoicesrormen 
; 8 . Lackoflnowledgeaboutfamily 
planning scnlces 
9, Feelin~ ~h) u~in~ l:nntfXep4:ives " i tt! 
wife 
10, Expcrienced side effeclS 
II . Fear of side effects 
12. F.cility too far 
I I). Other> SDe<ifvl .... 
Qfthe problems you have listed. 
which one do you think is the most 
importanlbenierfornon· 
involvement in family planning? 
If you experienc;ed side effects.. 9. Excessivebleeding 
me:ntionthtm lO. lmgularmenslru<ltion 
II . Sexual weakness 
12. lmpolenee 
I3.Weiib1 pin 
14. Nausea 
IS.Vomiling 
16. Weighl loss 
O1hers(Specify) 
What are the perceivedlide eff«ts 
ofc:ontraccptives? 
Section H' Fem.les' f.mDy plaoning decision making 
~T"Q;C;iion.. Responses Code 
Who makes family plannin, t 8. My husband I 
dcc'~ionsinyourhousehold? 9. Myself 
10 My husband and I 
(Select all that apply) 11 . Myfricnds 
12. My family 
13. My in-laws (Spccify) 
14. Othcr1(specify) 
Who decides on the number of I. My husband 
children you should have? 2. Myself 
J.Myhusbandandl 
I (Sclettallthat.!l.pply) 4. My friends 
5. My family (Specify) 
6. Myin·laws(Spccify) 
7.0Il1en(.pecify) 
Who intluences)ourdecision to I. My husband 
usecontracepti,es',' 2. Myself 
3. My husband and I 
(Selectallthatnpply) 4. My friends 
5. Myramily(Specify) 
6. Myin·laws(Specify) 
1. Myl't'ligiousdoctrine 
8. MyPastor 
9. Others (specify) 
If you ar('notcurrcnlly using I. Yes 
<:Of1traceptiv('s, will yOlI u.se it 
eventhouihyourhusband !". So 
di~s? 
If yes, why -r--
Ifno, why 
Are you using contraceptivn I. Yes 
without your hwband's 
knowledge? 2, No 
Ifyes.\\lI)'? 
10 lfno.Wh)'? 
69 
Sectioa I' Opinioa about male parlicipatioa ia family plaaning 
r---~~~--~-----------'-------'--
RespoD,es Cod, 
I. Yes 
2.No 
If yes. why? 
If no. why? 
Do you think men should use contraceptives with t. Yes 
their wives? 
2.No 
irves.whv? 
Ifno,why? 
Do youlhink men should allow their wives to use I. Yes 
contraceptives with them? 
2. No 
8 If yes, why? 
9 If no, why? 
10 Do you believe women should use contraceptives I. Yes 
inamaritalrelalionship? 
2.No 
11 If yes, whY? 
12 Ifno,why? 
13 In your opinion, who nceds toinilil!l\e family I.Husbond 
pianningdiscussions? 2.Wife 
3. Both 
4. Other family 
members 
S.Olher(Specify) 
IDyouropinioa. what are the mainchallcn.r;es 
preventing men from gc11ing involved in famil) 
planning? 
15 In your opinion., why do men not use 
contracePtives? 
16 In your opinion, why do men prevent women from 
usin.contra<el!li ....?  
17 How can we improve on females and male', 
participation in family p1annina services amonl 
rnarriedcouple? 
Plcuelist. 
70 
Appendix 3: Inrormed Comeot Form 
Subjutnum r ••...•..•........... 
ProjeetTille 
~1<1te partner Involvemenl in family planninl in Ga Central !o.1unicipality of the Greater 
Accra Regio of Ghann. DepartmeDl of Populition Family and Reproductive Health' 
School of Publi(: Health. College of Health Sciences. l'niversity of Ghana, Legon. 
Background 
Dcar Respon ent. I am Sophia Boaleng. a student of the School of Public Hellth. 
lnl\ersil~ of Ghani. lam conducling a study on Male panner involvemenl in family 
planning 10 Gil Central Municipality of the areater Accra Region of Ghana. This study is 
to explore me 's role in family pllMing in the GA Central Municipality in Accra. 
Thestudyinv Ivesanswerina a questionnaire on Ihe level of male partner involvement in 
family planni ,amongst olhers. This is purely III acldemic research; it forms part of my 
"ork for the a ard of a Master's Degree. 
Ri\k3and Be ~fits 
lheresult'ol this study would helpcdueutc: individuals who arelexually active on the 
lmponance 01 family plann.ina.. PoliC)' makers will also be informN on the urgent need 10 
flctl\eI~ 1n\01 emeninfunilyplanning 
\non}mi~ a d Conftdentiatity 
You arc assu ed that whsle\cr information you will provide will be deemed u ~Iy 
conlidcntial d used for research purposes. Your responses win not be shIred with 
An) bod~ "ho is nol • member of the study team. 0111 analysis will be done It lhc 
aggrl!g:ttelc\c toc:nsureanonymity. 
(omptnsalio 
Thl!t'e ",111 no costs for participatina in the: research nc:ithc-r .... iII }OU be: paid 10 
partLcipalcm isrnean::hprojccl 
All qucric co ccming this study should be: directed 10 Sophia Boatens (05405 122SI) 
in Ibis study i. voluntary. You are at Jibe"y not to aniWCf any 
or all the quntions. Yau may withdnw from the RUdy al ..... y tirm 
lencour-ge)'OUIOfu1lypartieipMe:!.inceyoutcmlribul~1re 
qUCSIions on MaJe partner involvement in (amily planning", 0. 
inrhcgrc. .e rAccra. 
d~w.:umcnt describinc the benefits. risks and procedures for Ute rncarch tide 
in\'olvemem in family plannina in Oa Central Municipality of lhe ,rtater 
of Gtw\a) has been read and explained to lIIe. I hive bern ,i"tIl an 
haveanyquestionsabouttheresearchlUlSweredtomysatisfaction.lqree 
uavolwueer 
Name and signanae or mark of vohmtC'c:r 
who unnot read Ihe form Ihemutn,. a ",hne" mUll .Ien .ere: 
the bmefiu.. nib and procedures were reAd to the: vol unICef. All 
an$wm:d and thr volunteer has IIfCCd to lake pan in the rcsean:h 
the nalurcandpurpoac.thepokntial bcneflu.and pouiblc:nsk,associatcd 
in this rescarch have been explained 10 the above individual 
Namr SilNhUe' o(Penon Who Om-ined COJUenl 
Oi\S~mlnation of Res ul ts 
Stud) resull!lwould be sbared with stakeholders such as: Ghana health scrvice. University 
of Ghana. sod me Municipal assembly. If you \\'ant to be copitd. kindl)" provide your 
contactdetails bclow 
73