Abstract:

Background: Family planning efforts have been directed almost exclusively toward women, the lack of male involvement may also reflect the limited options available to men [6]. Globally, the overall prevalence of male contraceptive methods (condoms, vasectomy, withdrawal method, and hormonal methods such as injections and implants) reaches 15.7% of married/in-union women for 2015[7]. Prevalence ranges by region from a low of 5.7% in Africa to highs of 29.3% and 30.2% in Northern America and Europe respectively

Aim: This study aimed to determine the awareness and knowledge of contraceptives among male patients in BMC.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at OPD and inpatient departments at Bugando Medical Centre among male patients of age above 18 in June,July and August 2021. Simple random method was used to select participants and data was collected using structured questionnaires. Data has been analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Joint CUHAS/BMC Research and ethics committee.

Results: A total number of 380 respondents were involved in the study. Majority of male patients at BMC were aware 371(97.4%) male contraceptives methods. The main findings from this study indicated that clients had an overall adequate knowledge level 361(95.1%) The study revealed that majority of the patients were aware and had adequate knowledge pertaining male contraceptive methods Level of education and marital status were found to be statistically associated with knowledge of contraceptives among male patients at BMC at 95% confidence interval.

Conclusion: The study revealed that majority of the patients were aware and had adequate knowledge pertaining male contraceptive methods.