Abstract:

Background: Males’ involvement in family planning (FP) in particular African remains a concern and a challenge in addressing reproductive health/ unintended pregnancy has been associated with both an increase in women’s fertility rare and with high rate of maternal and neonatal mortality/ it is suggested that these health concerns can be addressed through effective use of FP methods which include a focus on involving men. The study aimed to determine the level of awareness and involvement in FP decision making among males aged 18 and above in Shinyanga rural district.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 165 male in Shinyanga rural district. Multistage sampling technique was used to randomly approach eligible participants. Face to face interviews using structured questionnaire were used to collect data. SPSS version 17 was used for data entry and analysis.

Results: The level of awareness on family planning method respondents was 143 (88.82%) and according to education level was 104(64.60), (x2 =24.030, P-value <.001). The common known family planning methods was oral pills 98(35.38%), injectable 72(25.99%) and male condom 59(21.30%). On the other hand the actual use of FP methods was male condom 57(35.20%), injectable 29(17.90%) and oral pills 19(11.70%). The main reason provided by respondents to not use any FP method was a wish to have more children 33(38.40%). The most common source of information about family planning issues were Radio / TV Programme 43(26.71%) and village primary health workers 39(24.22%). The overall attitudes towards using family planning services was 72(44.70%) and the respondents who ever talked about family planning with partner’s (p-value<.001) have more positive attitude toward use of FP methods, majority 97(60.25%) of respondents suggested to getting information about contraceptives and family planning information at health facilities by male staff and about 112 (69.57%) had a wish to learn more about effects of using modern FP methods.

Conclusion and recommendations: The level of awareness on family planning among men in Shinyanga rural district observed to be fair and low actual use of modern family planning methods. Moreover, the attitude of respondents towards using family planning methods was low in the district because men desired to have more children. To increase male’s involvement and perceptions towards regarding desire to have more children. It is recommend that health facilities to modify the present. FP services provision by allocating male staff that will provide for needs of males who wish or need service provision by male staff. Further research may be needed to identify possible factors that are important to the use of male oriented family planning methods and jointly couple decision making to stop childbearing among rural men.