Males as Partners in Family Planning Service Uptake in Ghana: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Family planning is an efficient and effective intervention that results in quick benefits for the whole family socio-economically. Differences exist in the rate of contraceptive use between male and female and male involvement of service uptake in Ghana. The objective of this study was to explore male direct involvement and or support to their partners in family planning service uptake. Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey to sample 384 men of reproductive age (18 - 45 year) using cluster sampling to enlist participants from within the Suame Magazine light Industrial area in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data was analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 16. Results: Men showed very high knowledge (90%) about what constitutes Family Planning, with moderate level of involvement both active and passive involvement (56%) though only a few (38.9%) were presently adopting or using modern contraceptive. The study rather found only 14% (55) males were willing to be solely responsible and actively involved in Family Planning service. Family Planning services did not adequately meet the needs of men with the services centers remaining unavailable in the study area. Conclusion: The extent of male involvement in family planning programmes is marginally above average. Males showed appreciable knowledge of family planning options though misconceptions continued to exist. A more couple-oriented approach to family planning is needed including recruiting males as family planning providers, offering more family planning counseling for couples, and promoting female-oriented methods with men and vice versa.