Factors Influencing Male Participation In Family Planning: A Case Of Kutus Township In Kirinyaga County In Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the factors that influence male participation in the study area was Kirinyaga Central District. The objectives of the study were to find out the extent to which available male FP methods, FP cost, male perception and traditional belief influence male participation in FP. The study used a descriptive Survey descriptive decision which helps to gather information about these factors. The target population was sexually active men and women above 20 years of age of Kirinyaga central district. A simple size of 200 respondents which composed men, women and health workers was selected using stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect the required data. A pilot study was carried out with twenty respondents to ensure the validity and reliability of the research instrument. The questionnaires and interview report were collected and the data analysed and a descriptive statistic such as a mean and percentages were generated in form of tables. The study findings reveal that the available FP methods do influence in male involvement in FP to some extent. 70% of the respondent agreed that available male method lacked diversity and 57% of women were of the opinion that the methods were inadequate. The research findings did demonstrate the element of cost as a barrier to the uptake of FP among men. 77% of the respondents were of the opinion that the available family planning methods for men are too expensive and unaffordable.82% of the respondent held the opinion that men who use family planning are disrespected in the society. There was adequate awareness of FP and its importance both among men and women. Range of family planning methods available to men is limited, and this as a result inhibits men’s capacity to participate in fertility regulation. Greene (2005).There however seem to be higher awareness of female FP methods compared to the male FP methods. This raises the issue of diversity for FP methods for men in influencing uptake of the same. All these men who stated that they use FP methods were using the male condom as opposed to women who were using varied methods such as the pill, injectable and implants. It can be concluded that the key barrier to uptake of FP by men was mere attitude or negative perceptions towards FP by men and the belief that FP as a woman’s affair because they are the ones who get pregnant. To this effect, it was noted that most male respondents said their spouses are on FP while most women respondents stated that their spouses were not using any FP methods. Some of the perceptions that lead to low uptake of FP among men are the perception that male FP methods are rare and not convenient/effective.Male involvement in FP has a positive impact in the general wellbeing of the family and hence the following measures should be taken in order to increase participation: Kenyan government and the WHO should strive to introduce new male FP methods in order to increase diversity. Enhancement of knowledge and awareness on the need of male participation .