Policy, Perception and Sociocultural determinants of male involvement in female contraceptive uptake: a case of Korogocho, Nairobi County.

Abstract

Family planning is fundamental to health of the population especially women, their families, and community. Most of the contraceptive methods are highly effective in preventing unintended pregnancies and reducing maternal and child mortality. The study was conducted with the sole aim of establishing determinants of male involvement in female contraceptive uptake in Korogocho Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were; to determine various aspects of reproductive health policy implementation that influence male involvement in female contraceptive uptake in Korogocho, establish the male perceptions on contraceptives that influence male involvement in female contraceptive uptake in Korogocho, what are the socio-cultural factors that influence male involvement in female contraceptive uptake in Korogocho. The study collected primary data from married men in Korogocho where probit regression analysis was used to model the hypothesised relationship. From the study findings, the no of children in a family, government policy on RH funding, being a Muslim, and gender (sex of the child) preference significantly lowered the likelihood of male involvement in female contraceptives uptake. On the other hand, employment status, type of marriage as well as discussing FP with partner was increased the probability of male involvement in female contraceptives uptake in Korogocho Nairobi. To promote increased male involvement in female uptake of contraceptives across the country and especially within the informal settlements like Korogocho, the study recommends for community centred strategies including increased funding, modern methods of contraceptives as well as empowerment of local communities.