ABSTRACTBackground: Men’s involvement in family planning contribute significantly to the successful implementation of family planning programs and women’s empowerment and leads to improvement in reproductive health such as contraceptive acceptance and continuation, and safer sexual behaviors. Nonetheless, in Ghana males are highly reported to be involved in Family planning. This …
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ABSTRACTBackground: Men’s involvement in family planning contribute significantly to the successful implementation of family planning programs and women’s empowerment and leads to improvement in reproductive health such as contraceptive acceptance and continuation, and safer sexual behaviors. Nonetheless, in Ghana males are highly reported to be involved in Family planning. This study therefore sought to assess the participation of men in family planning decision making and as well as identify the various socio-cultural and health system factors that influence their involvement in Family Planning.Methods: The study design was descriptive cross-sectional survey using quantitative methodology. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 150 men in four communities in the district. The quantitative data was analysed using STATA version 15. Knowledge was measured at two level; individual’s ability to correctly identify family planning method and composite score to put participants into three knowledge levels; high (>=80%), average (> = 50<79.9%) and low (- <50% score). Pearson’s Chi Square test was used to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristic of participants and level of men’s involvement. Logistics regression model was developed to identify the strength of the association with a p<0.05 deemed to be statistically significant.Results: More than half of the men had (51.0%, 76/150) had moderate knowledge, (36.0%, 55/150) had high knowledge whilst 19/150 (13.0%) had low knowledge on family planning. About 84.0% (126/150) had a positive attitude towards family planning methods. In addition, 52.7% (78/150) have been involved in family planning service; of which 19.0%, (29/150) do that all the time whilst 80.1% do that sometimes (occasionally). Furthermore, older men were more involved in FP services than younger ones do. About 63.4% (45/71) of males who were involved were 31- 50 years, 21.1% (15/71) were aged 18- 30 years and 15.5% (11/71) were also aged >50 years. The determinants of male involvement in family planning include; having experienced good reception at service outlet (aOR=7.0, 95% CI: 1.70 – 28.92), income level of man (aOR=4.2, 95% CI: 1.19 – 15.22),Conclusion: Knowledge level of participants in this study on family planning methods and service was high. Participant also had a positive attitude toward family planning methods. However, the positive knowledge and attitude did not translate into their level of involvement as this was generally low. Knowledge about family planning services is therefore necessary but not sufficient to determinant of men’s involvement. Socio-demographic and quality of care received at family planning outlet is essential in men’s involvement in this service. Low level of involvement was recorded among younger men.
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