Male Partner Involvement In Long Term Contraceptive Uptake Among Selected Couples In Murang'A County Central Kenya

Purpose: the main objective of the study was to assess male partner involvement in long term contraceptive uptake among selected couples in Murang'a county central Kenya Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data collection tools were Interviewer administered - Semi Structured Questionnaires, Key Informant interviews guide and Focused Group Discussions guide .Pre-test of Instruments was done at Othaya Sub County in Nyeri. Eligible couples were systematically sampled using the EPI spatial sampling methods adopted by WHO for use in low income countries Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive statistics, chi square, binary and multiple logistic regressions was computed. Those variables that were significant at P-value"‰â‰¤"‰0.05 were entered into multivariate analysis. The odds ratio was calculated to assess the association and strength of association of variables. P-value"‰<"‰0.05 was taken as a cut point. Qualitative data was triangulated with the quantitative data to enhance validity and reliability of the study findings. Findings: Majority of couples interviewed (73%) reported being in a long-term relationship Most participants (61%) cited male involvement as male partner participation and contribution, which they believed was important in family planning services utilization. Whereas most women(57%) reported that the partner's permission was not necessary and the decision to use any family planning method was their own, key informant indicated that despite receiving information about benefits of long-term family planning method, many women remained (53%) reluctant to undergo some procedures without first obtaining their partners permission. Most of the male partners(51%) were not willing to undergo vasectomy as they equated it with castration and the stigma which was to accompany the tag. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: There is need to increase the level of knowledge and awareness among male partners on long term family planning methods and their benefits. Future research should explore the feasibility and effectiveness of engaging male partners in utilization of long-term family planning methods