Barriers to male involvement in contraceptive uptake and reproductive health services: a qualitative study of men and women’s perceptions in two rural districts in Uganda
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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Reproductive health
Abstract
Spousal communication can improve family planning use and continuation. Yet, in countries with
high fertility rates and unmet need, men have often been regarded as unsupportive of their partner’s use of family
planning methods. This study examines men and women’s perceptions regarding obstacles to men’s support and
uptake of modern contraceptives.
Methods: A qualitative study using 18 focus group discussions (FGDs) with purposively selected men aged 15–54
and women aged 15–49 as well as eight key informant interviews (KIIs) with government and community leaders
was conducted in 2012 in Bugiri and Mpigi Districts, Uganda. Open-ended question guides were used to explore
men and women’s perceptions regarding barriers to men’s involvement in reproductive health. All FGDs and KIIs
were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically using
ATLAS.ti.
Results: Five themes were identified as rationale for men’s limited involvement: (i) perceived side effects of
female contraceptive methods which disrupt sexual activity, (ii) limited choices of available male contraceptives,
including fear and concerns relating to vasectomy, (iii) perceptions that reproductive health was a woman’s
domain due to gender norms and traditional family planning communication geared towards women, (iv)
preference for large family sizes which are uninhibited by prolonged birth spacing; and (v) concerns that
women’s use of contraceptives will lead to extramarital sexual relations. In general, knowledge of effective
contraceptive methods was high. However, lack of time and overall limited awareness regarding the specific role
of men in reproductive health was also thought to deter men’s meaningful involvement in issues related to
fertility regulation.
Conclusion: Decision-making on contraceptive use is the shared responsibility of men and women. Effective
development and implementation of male-involvement family planning initiatives should address barriers to
men’s supportive participation in reproductive health, including addressing men's negative beliefs regarding
contraceptive services.
Description
Keywords
Male involvement, Contraception, Family planning, Reproductive health, Qualitative research, Uganda
Citation
Kabagenyi, A., Jennings, L., Reid, A., Nalwadda, G., Ntozi, J., & Atuyambe, L. (2014). Barriers to male involvement in contraceptive uptake and reproductive health services: a qualitative study of men and women’s perceptions in two rural districts in Uganda. Reproductive health, 11(1), 1-9. doi:10.1186/1742-4755-11-21