Barriers to Male Involvement in Contraceptives Uptake in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality, Kaski, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Awareness towards the importance of proper family planning has been increasing in the big cities, however there are still some communities in rural areas of Nepal where use of contraceptive methods is not very common. Literature in the field suggests, involvement of males in contraception uptake to be relatively low in rural areas. The aim of the present study was to assess the involvement of men in family planning and the barriers related to it.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 women of reproductive age group (15-49 years), and data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire through interview. A convenient sampling technique was used for the data collection. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS V20. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages.

Results: The study showed that 83% of the respondents had a supporting and encouraging husband. 56% of the respondent’s husbands were using contraceptives. 5.3% had a vasectomy and 32.1% used a condom. The major identified barriers were fear and concern relating to vasectomy (93.5%) followed by limited choices of available male contraceptives (92.8%), perceived side-effects (91.8%), and distance from health facilities (86.3%).

Conclusions: This research showed major barriers to male involvement in contraceptives in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality of Kaski District. Family planning related programs as well as more research should be done. Authorities are recommended to increase the accessibility of FP services, and the development of skilled and motivated health workers to increase male involvement in contraceptive uptake.