Muslim men’s perceptions and attitudes on family planning: a qualitative study in Wajir and Lamu counties in Kenya

Abstract

In patriarchal societies like Kenya, understanding men's perceptions and attitudes on family planning is critical given their decision-making roles that affect uptake of contraception. Yet, most programmes mainly target women as primary users of contraceptive methods since they bear the burden of pregnancy. However, women-focused approaches tend to overlook gender power dynamics within relationships, with men wielding excessive power that determines contraception use or non-use. A qualitative study involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was conducted in the two predominantly Muslim communities of Lamu and Wajir counties, Kenya. Open-ended questions explored perspectives, attitudes and men's understanding of contraception, family size, decision making on family planning and general views on contraceptive use. Thematic content analysis was used. Findings show that men in Wajir and Lamu held similar viewpoints of family planning as a foreign or western idea and associated family planning with ill health and promiscuity. They believed family planning is a "woman's affair" that requires little or no input from men. Men from Wajir desired a big family size. There is a need for a shift in family planning programmes to enable men's positive engagement. The findings from this study can be used to develop culturally appropriate approaches to engage men, challenge negative social norms and foster positive social change to improve uptake of family planning.

Influence of Religion and Religiosity on Fertility and Contraceptive Use in Continental Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Review

“…Given that traditional gender roles where husbands are the main decision-makers are still very prominent among Muslims in Nigeria, heterogenous couples that are Indigenous / Other Religions and Muslim are less likely to engage in spousal communication than Christians. This is consistent with results from previous studies(Abdi, et al, 2021).4.2 Children Ever BornParticipants associated with African Indigenous Religions had the highest CEB, followed by Muslims and then Christians. Previous studies across Sub-Saharan Africa show the same trend.…”

“…Adebowale & Palamuleni (2015) also attributed women's empowerment to low fertility as more empowered women have more decision-making authority including decisions on contraceptive use, therefore reducing fertility. However, fertility is higher among Muslims than non-Muslims which may relate to traditional patriarchal gender roles of Islam where men hold the authority and are the main decision-makers of the household (Abdi, et al, 2021). It was also observed that women in the lower wealth quintile who wanted more children after having five children were three times as those in the richest quintile.…”

Perceptions of Postpartum Family Planning in Extended Postpartum Period among Men in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania: A Qualitative Study

“…Although male condoms were mostly preferred, some participants expressed their interest and preference for using natural methods such as withdrawal. As documented in the previous study conducted in Wajir and Lamu counties in Kenya, men prefer withdrawal possibly because such a method is free from side effects and costs (Abdi et al, 2021). From the current study, it appears that men have limited choices of postpartum family planning methods, which this challenge could promote pregnancy during the postpartum period.…”

“…From the current study, it appears that men have limited choices of postpartum family planning methods, which this challenge could promote pregnancy during the postpartum period. Contrary to previous studies, vasectomy as one of the postpartum family planning methods are often inaccessible and most of the participants had less desire to use such services (Abdi et al, 2021).…”

Gender norms and family planning amongst pastoralists in Kenya: a qualitative study in Wajir and Mandera

“… 48 One study from Lamu and Wajir counties noted that religious beliefs, in particular, explained large family sizes. 49 In this paper, we analysed data from both in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with nomadic and semi-nomadic women and men of different ages, living in North Eastern Kenya. Drawing on our formative qualitative research, we explore: (1) gender and social norms around child spacing and modern FP, (2) family size preferences, and (3) how these approaches to spacing relate to local and global approaches to FP.…”