Knowledge of vasectomy and barriers to modern contraception among married men in a traditional community, South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Family Planning (FP) is central to fertility and maternal mortality reduction. Unfortunately, the contraceptive prevalence rate is low in Nigeria and the prevalence of the only permanent method for male is strikingly low. The objectives of the study arc to determine knowledge of vasectomy and identify barriers to modern contraception among married men in Ife Central Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and involved a mix-method approach. One thousand married men participated in the study; 3focuscd group discussions and 2 key informant interviews were also conducted. Data were analysed using thematic approach and logistic regression model (Alpha=0.05). Results: Mean age of the respondents was 38.5±5.2 years and 1.3% was sterilized. About 3.5% had adequate knowledge of vasectomy (AKV). The identified predictors of AKV were; place of residence, occupation, income and level of education. Living in the rural area s inhibits AKV (C)R=0.39;C.I=0.27-0.59,p<0.001). Sexual pleasure, fear of side effect, limited number of contraceptive choices for men, promiscuity, infertility and financial incapacity to manage complications were cited as reasons for non-use of FP. Conclusion: Adequate knowledge of vasectomy is low among married men in Ife Central LGA. Strategies to scale-up male involvement in FP should be enhanced in the study area.