PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF MEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE TOWARDS THE USE OF FAMILY PLANNING BY THEIR SPOUSES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study: Family planning in couples is rarely discussed because the practice is less likely to be endorsed by the male partner. Family planning practices are essential for individuals or couples to prevent unwanted pregnancies, space out pregnancies, time births according to parental age, and decide on the family size (Reshma 2015). Contraceptive use has been on the rise globally in recent years, but the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) remains notably low in low-resource countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, around 25% of couples who wish to space their children do not utilise any family planning methods. The National AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS) report from 2012 in Nigeria highlighted that although awareness of contraceptives was widespread, only 13% of females used any method of contraception, with just 10% opting for a modern method. Park (2007) outlines the various methods of modern contraceptives available at regional and national levels, such as pills, intrauterine contraceptive device, injectables, implants, male condom, female condom, male and female sterilisation, diaphragm, foam/jelly, lactational ammenorrhoea, and emergency contraception.

It is surprising that in communities worldwide, men have limited participation in family planning compared to women, who are the ones primarily seeking contraceptive methods to control family size. According to Bill, Gady, Hanson, and Tafer (2017), men's participation in decisions regarding sex, contraception, and childbearing has a significant impact on sexual and contraceptive behaviour, relationship harmony, and a man's accountability for his children. Despite the detailed explanation of the benefits of couples' involvement in contraceptive methods, many Nigerian men still avoid accessing the service with their wives. Scientists have recently found various methods of contraception for men. The New Zealand Family Planning (2015) outlines various contraceptive methods, including the implant or intrauterine device (IUD), hormonal contraceptives like the pill and Depo Provera injection, barrier methods like condoms, and permanent contraceptive methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation. Another approach involves fertility awareness methods, which educate individuals about fertility signs and the menstrual cycle to assist in pregnancy planning or prevention.

On the other hand, myths and misconceptions exist regarding the use and various methods of family planning, not only among women, who are the primary users, but also among men. One common misconception is the fear of infertility caused by using contraceptives. In a study carried out in Tanzania (Mbeya region, Handeni and Sinyanga districts), it was found that men's acceptance of contraceptives was influenced by their understanding of the significance of family planning. They perceived larger families to be more expensive than smaller ones (Sandararajan, 2019). They felt it was their duty to enable women to access family planning services. However, a study in Kenya found that the acceptability rate was very low among men. There were instances where married women resorted to using contraceptives discreetly due to lack of cooperation from their husbands (Matlala, 2016). While many men in Nigeria are familiar with family planning, some men in the Southern Nigeria region believe that women's use of family planning methods encourages promiscuity. The research discussed how men's negative attitude towards family planning was influenced by misconceptions and poor knowledge about the benefits of contraceptives. Contrasting with these falsehoods is the background that sparked the researcher's curiosity in this subject.

​​​​​​​Statement of the Problem

Contraception use offers numerous advantages for men and women of reproductive age. However, it remains an underutilised public intervention in Nigeria due to prevalent myths and misconceptions, particularly among men in the study area.  According to Gady, Hanson, and Tafer (2017), this is because men belong to a subset of the population that is currently underserved and under-targeted by reproductive health programmes. In many societies, men typically hold the primary power and decision-making role in family affairs, including reproductive health. As a result, engaging men in family planning is widely acknowledged as crucial globally.

In Nigeria, there has been an imbalance in the distribution of responsibility for fertility regulation and family planning between men and women (Ringheim, 2017). This interest arises from the commonly accepted notion that in the patriarchal, traditional African family, husbands play a crucial role in couples' decisions regarding fertility regulation. While this belief is widely endorsed by the research of numerous scholars, there is a scarcity of empirical studies on the family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices of African men. Nevertheless, their involvement is vital due to their significant impact on women's health, their ability to access healthcare, and their utilisation of family services (Drennan 2018).

The conventional African pattern of male involvement in fertility decision-making is evident in current research on men's impact on these issues in Nigeria. During a research conducted among married Nigerian students, it was found that one in five women who were not using a contraceptive method cited their husband's objection as the reason for non-use. However, many of these studies were carried out in the past, and newer research in Africa, especially in Nigeria, has revealed a decline in knowledge, positive attitudes, and use of contraceptives among both men and women.  Given this premise, the research aims to assess the understanding, views, and approval of family planning practices among married men in Oku Clan, Uyo local government area.

​​​​​​​Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to  assess perception and attitude of men of child bearing age towards the use of family planning by their spouses on Oku Clan In Uyo local government area.Other specific objectives includes:

1. What is the perception of married men in contraceptive use  In Oku clan Uyo local government area.

2. To investigate the sources of men information about family planning In Oku clan Uyo local government area.

3. To determine the attitude of married men towards family planning and contraceptives.

4. To determine factors influencing married men not to be fully involved in accessing family planning services.

​​​​​​​Research Questions

1. What is the perception of married men in contraceptive use  in Oku clan Uyo local government area?

2. What are the sources of men information about family planning in Oku clan Uyo local government area?

3. What is the attitude of married men towards family planning and contraceptives?

4. What are the factors influencing married men not to be fully involved in accessing family planning services?

Research Hypothesis

Ho1: The perception and attitude of men of child bearing age towards the use of family planning by their spouses is  negative.

Hi1: The perception and attitude of men of child bearing age towards the use of family planning by their spouses is  positive.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study aims to give essential information that will improve the implementation of family planning activities and programmes. Moreover, the results will be useful for those planning to conduct study on a related topic as it has added to the current body of literature. The research will provide new insights and serve as a catalyst for other studies on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of women regarding family planning services. It will also benefit health science students, lecturers, and the general public.

1.7 Scope of the Study
This study aims to evaluate the view and attitude of males of childbearing age about their spouses' usage of family planning in Oku Clan, Uyo LGA. The study will explore the sources of knowledge on family planning for men and determine the variables that prevent married men from fully engaging with family planning services. The study is limited to certain married men in Oku Clan in Uyo LGA, Akwaibom state.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

As in all human activities, the researchers faced minor limitations during the investigation. The main limitation was the lack of literature on the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of family planning among married males. The researcher dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to gather the necessary materials for the investigation. The study is limited in scope, concentrating specifically on the Oku Clan in Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom state. Thus, the findings of this study are not generalizable to married men beyond the study area, highlighting a research vacuum and the need for future investigations on this topic.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Knowledge: Knowledge is a familiarity or awareness, of someone or something, such as facts, skills, or objects contributing to ones understanding.

Family planning: Contraceptive is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways: Preventing sperm from getting to the eggs. Types include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.

Utilization; this is the act of using something.

Attitude; is positive or negative behaviour towards something.