Knowledge and attitude of men about vasectomy as a method of family planning among married men working in Babcock University, Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the level of knowledge and attitude of married male workers about vasectomy and also the factors influencing the attitude of married men working in Babcock University towards vasectomy. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 200 participants from the academic and administrative work divisions of the University and a self-constructed questionnaire was administered and 150 were retrieved and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that majority (42.7%) of the participants were between the ages of 31 to 40 years, Christians (97.3%), of the Yoruba tribe (55.3%), had a bachelor's degree (46%) and were non-academic staff (53.3%). Majority (38%) of participants had adequate knowledge and 62.7% had positive attitude towards vasectomy. There was no association between participants' level of education and their level of knowledge of vasectomy, however, a significant association was observed between participants' level of knowledge and their attitude towards vasectomy (χ 2 cal = 53.89, P≤0.05). The risk of spouse's health (54%) was the major factor influencing positive attitude and the need of more children (41.3%) was the main factor influencing negative attitude towards vasectomy. There is therefore need to develop awareness programs in order to equip the population with valid information and thus increasing their knowledge about vasectomy. Specific strategies should be developed in order to tackle the identified barriers hindering the acceptance of vasectomy among married men.

Vasectomy is family planning: factors affecting uptake among men in eastern province of Rwanda

“…The majority (43.1%) of men were aged between 31 and 39 years, educated at the primary level (42.3%), with a Catholic affiliation (42.3%). Our predominate age range was similar to other studies in India, [12] Edo State in Nigeria, [18] and Ogun State in Nigeria, [19] when men were "in their prime." [18] In contrast, two other studies involving older men (40-49 years) in Rwanda, [20] and Nepal, [21] the men had good knowledge, positive attitude, and acceptance of vasectomy.…”

“…Other studies had similar results in India [12] and Nigeria. [18,19] In Nepal, 69% of men had moderate knowledge level; however, they were more likely to be older, college graduates, and post-vasectomy. [21] The Nepal study was similar to one in Rwanda, where older men had higher knowledge scores (mean 91%) post-vasectomy.…”

“…In contrast, other studies appeared to show no association between education and knowledge level or attitude towards vasectomy. [18,19] Male staff at Novena University in Nigeria, with a mean age of 37 years, had a good knowledge, yet poor attitude of vasectomy. Therefore, good knowledge helps to increase the likelihood of vasectomy acceptance, but does not necessarily equate to a positive attitude to vasectomy.…”

“…[18] Whereas in two other studies, the men worked at academic institutions with higher incomes. [14,19] The farmers strongly agreed that FP is primarily the responsibility of women, as well as numerous misconceptions about vasectomy. Monthly income is an essential factor as it can be a financial restraint that affects education and FP choices.…”

A survey on the knowledge, attitude and acceptance of male sterilzation among men in Ogbomoso, South West Nigeria

“…A previous study revealed that the vast majority of doctors were convinced that the average Nigerian male will not accept vasectomy when indicated while more than three-fifth consider bilateral tubal ligation a more appropriate option for permanent contraception in our setting (15). The bias to believe that Nigerian males will not accept vasectomy is clearly not borne out of the experience of counselling males for vasectomy since most of the Doctors admitted to not counselling often for vasectomy (15,16,17).…”