MALE PARTICIPATION IN CONTRACEPTION AMONG COUPLES USING FAMILY PLANNING METHODS

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction:

Males are an equal component of family planning but they are considered to be un-co-operative in this respect. Most family planning programs focus mainly on women as part of maternal and child health programs keeping in mind that they are the direct sufferers of reproductive issues. Success of any family planning program requires involvement of both males and females. So special efforts have to be made to involve males actively in reproductive health issues and emphasize their responsibility in sexual and reproductive behavior including family planning, maternal and child health and prevention of unwanted pregnancies.

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to assess the male contraceptive method usage among couples practicing contraception.

Main outcome measures:

Male participation in family planning methods among couples using contraceptives.

Study design:

Cross sectional study.

Study setting:

Outpatient department of Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore.

Subjects & methods:

500 couples of child bearing age using contraceptive methods were interviewed regarding their contraceptive practices according to a pre-designed proforma during period from September to December 2010. Demographic data was gathered from the respondents. Frequency tables were generated for male and female contraception method choices.

Results:

500 respondents were interviewed for their contraceptive practices. 39.6% of women  were below 30 years of age and the rest were older. Majority (41.4%) of women were P2-3  Among these couples, male contraceptive methods prevalence was 42.4 % including condoms and withdrawal methods. The prevalence of other contraceptive methods usage was intrauterine contraceptives devices 23.6%, injections were used by 14.6%, COCs were used by 5.8% and 11.6% of females had undergone bilateral tubal ligation, 1.2% used emergency contraceptive pills while none of the males had undergone vasectomy in our study.

Conclusion:

Male participation in contraception is not as low as is generally thought. Male involvement is reasonably high (42.4 %) among contraceptive users in our study.

Key Words:

Male Contraception, reproductive health, Contraception.