Factors influencing male involvement in family planning practice in Moshi rural district

Abstract

A descriptive cross sectional study was undertaken in Moshi Rural district, Kilimanjaro region during June- July 2001, to determine the factors influencing male involvement in family planning Moshi Rural district.

The communities within Moshi Rural District were selected usmg a multistage sampling technique involving wards and villages. Recruitment of respondents was carried out by inquiry at villages and household levels. Information on factors influencing male involvement in family planning practice was obtained using a structured questionnaire and in depth interview. A total of 218 men aged 18- 60 years were interviewed. The results of this study indicated that respondents were highly aware of modem contraceptive (85.3%) but contraceptive use was low (47.0%). Respondents with no formal education were 2 times low in contraceptive use than those with primary education. Moreover the study showed that users and non-users have positive attitudes towards family planning practice. The study also identified lack of mutual agreement on issues pattern to family planning. This study concludes that there are multifaceted factors that influencing male involvement in family planning practice. Recommendations for improvement of the situation and for further research are also provided.