Male participation in modern contraception methods using
S Djalalinia, F Ramezanitehrani, N Peikari, F Hejazi, M
Rostamidovom
NRCRH, Deputy of Research & Technology, MOHME, Tehran,
Iran
Objective(s) Although It is important motto to note that
family planning is not solely the responsibility of women but that men must
participate in this matter as well , studies show that from a historical point
of view women have always been the focus of family planning activities .The
existence of variance contraceptive methods for women , and having less options
for men , misperception , cultural and religious barriers are some reasons for
less participation of men in family planning programs. This study conducted to
assess of men regarding their participation in family planning.
Design and methods This is a community based, cross –
sectioned analytic study, conducted in 4 provinces of Iran (Golestan, Bushehr,
Kordestan and Tehran). By using systematic randomized sampling method, 200
clusters including 20 eligible families (100 urban & 100 rural clusters),
have been chosen and 5900, 10-49 y/o married men were interviewed. Which UNFPA
provide specific family planning counseling and services them.
Results About 5% of eligible men does not believe in male
participation in family planning and 15% have no idea about how they can
participate. Being agree with their (45%) , using male methods (46%) ,and
providing supportive environment(20%)were mentioned as the most common
participatory ways. 93.9 % of men are familiar at least with one of the modern
contraceptive methods from them 59% have sufficient information about its usage.
85.3% of men who were familiar with contraceptive methods have ever used them
.TL was the most common mentioned method .So this study showed that there is
significant relationship between familiarity with modern methods and their using.
About 20% have not used contraceptive methods despite of their lack of tendency
to have any other child . male or female diseases , afraid of methods’ side
effects , misperception , religious barriers , lack of sufficient knowledge were
mentioned as their reason for not using them.
Conclusion Although because of factors such as physiology
of reproduction , designing of contraception , variety of female methods ,limitations
of male methods ,misconception ,…men less participate in family planning
programs , but the increasing male participation in family planning activities
should be considered as the most important factors determining the effectiveness
of these programs .It is possible through cultural interventions , target group
training , motivational implementation ,and distribution of various modern
contraceptive.
KEY WORDS Male, Participation, Modern contraceptive methods.