Attitude, knowledge and usage of contraceptives among men in Ejura Sekyedumase

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and usage of contraceptives among men in Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality. Hence, to improve the overall reproductive health status of men, it is important to encourage contraceptive use among men. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of enquiry to extract information from respondents. Questionnaires, consisting of structured and unstructured questions, were used to collect data. A total of 234 respondents were used for the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data which were presented in frequencies and percentages, and Microsoft Excel was used in plotting of graphs. Results indicated that most of the respondents were currently not using any family planning method. Healthcare providers were the most important source of information with regards to contraceptives or available family planning methods. Many respondents were aware of the use of condoms and vasectomy as family planning methods and had used a contraceptive less than a year ago. The pharmacy was the main source for contraceptive purchase and their privacy was fairly satisfactory. It is not a common occurrence to see men attending family planning clinics with their spouses or partners as almost 80 percent of respondents have never attended a family planning clinic before. Majority stated the family planning clinic was far from them. The respondents indicated that accessing family planning services was expensive. The most important factors that militate against the use of contraceptives by men are pressure from peers and negative community perception. The study recommended the need to set up “men” clinics to cater for the reproductive needs of men.