BARRIERS TO MEN’S INVOLVEMENT IN FAMILY PLANNING IN OKADA, EDO STATE

Osarugue Uyi*, Stella Folajole Usifoh, Jeffrey Saitu Soni and Aisha Bako

ABSTRACT

Birth control is key in managing family sizes and improving women’s quality of life. We aimed to study the barriers to men’s involvement and assess the extent to which the availability of male contraceptives influence men’s contribution to birth control. A descriptive, observational study was carried out to determine the barriers to men’s engagement in birth control. Respondents included male Okada community residents who were above 18 years and sexually active. A two (2) section questionnaire containing closed and open-ended questions comprising demographic data and measure of the barrier to family planning were used to obtain data. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. Of the respondents, 98 (28%) were between 21-30 years, 303 (86.6 %) had knowledge of birth control, 324 (92 %) stated that they have discussed their intended number of children with their partner and 242 (69.1%) were currently using a family planning method. Two hundred and two (52%) agreed that the available family planning method was good while 218 (69.3%) stated that the main barrier was the desire for more children. Three hundred and four (86.9%) disagreed that socio-cultural factors practices influenced their participation in family planning and 283 (80.9%) of the respondents agreed that family planning could be improved through couple counseling. Men’s involvement in birth control is evident with condom use. However, the main barrier to their participation is the desire for more children.

Keywords: Family Planning, Barriers, Men’s involvement, Okada.