The influence of male partners on contraceptive usage in sub-Saharan Africa- Lagos experience
Loading...
Date
2016-07
Authors
ADEGBOLA, O
Habeebu- Adeyemi, F.M
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer India Private Limited
Abstract
Background: Family planning programs, researches, and studies have focused mainly on women
with little attention to men’s role in the contraceptive choices by the couple. Men’s exclusion
from these programs has serious implications on the acceptance and use of contraceptives by
the couple. Objective: To determine the influence of male partners on contraceptive use of
their spouses. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional descriptive study at a Tertiary
Care Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. It was conducted from January 1 to April 30, 2010, where all
consecutive consenting pregnant women were given structured questionnaires to give to their
partners so as to evaluate the contribution of the male partners to contraceptives use in their
spouses as well as assess their awareness and knowledge of contraception. Categorical variables
were analyzed using Chi‑square test or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate while continuous
variables by t‑test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 370 respondents, only
51.9% (192) knew about female contraceptive methods, while 50% (185) were willing to allow
their wives to use contraception. Barrier method (17.3%) and periodic abstinence (15.7%) were
the leading preferred choice for their wives. However, bilateral tubal ligation was the least
preferred method (1.6%). Previous counseling of male partner significantly influenced their
decision to allow their wives to use contraceptives (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Involving the male
partner in family planning counseling plays an important role in increasing the acceptance
and use of contraceptives by the couple.
Description
Keywords
Contraceptive use, male partner influence, family planning