Determinants of male involvement in family planning services in Abia State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background Male involvement in family planning (FP) remains low in male-dominant communities. Family planning contributes to the regulation of fertility and population growth in Nigeria. Increasing male involvement in family planning services is crucial in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in patriarchal societies such as Nigeria. This study identified the determinants of male involvement in family planning services in Abia State, Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in twelve communities of Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 588 married men who met the eligibility criteria were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the variables. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis was done. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results The overall level of active male involvement in family planning services was 55.1% (95% CI:51.0–59.2%). The mean age of the respondents was 42.4 ± 8.0 years. Access to television (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.05–2.39), spouse employment status (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.33–2.06), joint decision-making (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.05–2.62), and accompanying spouse to the FP clinic (aOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 2.16–4.62) were determinants of active male involvement. Conclusion At least, one out of every two men was actively involved in family planning services. This was determined by access to television, employment status of spouse, joint decision-making, and accompanying spouse to the FP clinic. There is a need to focus on the identified factors in order to further improve the active involvement of men in FP services.

Male Involvement in Family Planning Decisions in Malawi and Tanzania: What Are the Determinants?

“…In Tanzania, determinants including age (35–54 years), secondary/higher education, middle and rich wealth status, being widowed, working, and having access to media information were predictors of male involvement in FP decisions. Other studies have come out with similar findings [ 25 , 41 , 42 ]. Male decision-making regarding FP is influenced by the socio-cultural context, including individual views and feelings towards male involvement in FP use and decision-making.…”

“…This has decreased the effects of FP interventions and coupled with uncontrolled fertility, which impedes economic growth and throws a nation’s politics into instability [ 39 , 40 ]. Studies on FP have found that male involvement is positively correlated with access to the media, including television and radio, spouse employment status, and average monthly income [ 41 , 42 ]. Despite this, there are conflicting results regarding the level of male involvement in FP decisions and the factors that influence this involvement in Malawi and Tanzania.…”

Factors Associated with Unmet Needs for Family Planning among People Living with HIV/AIDS in the South-South Region of Nigeria

“…Unmet family planning needs in women apply to those who are married or in unions, fecund and are sexually active, who want to stop childbearing or delay their next birth by at least two years, but are not using any method of contraception, either modern or traditional (DHS, 2014). However, this definition can be misleading as several studies have reported that male partner involvement and preferences have played a major role in such decision-making [9][10][11]. For example, studies have shown that male dominance in Africa greatly affects women's ability to access and use any form of contraceptives [12].…”