KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND CONSENT OF MARRIED MEN REGARDING SPOUSAL USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVES IN IBADAN NORTHWEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Although modem contraceptives (MCs) are effective in preventing unintended pregnancies, their use by married women is often influenced by their husbands. In Nigeria little is known about men's knowledge and perceptions regarding modem contraceptives as most studies focused on women. This study assessed married men's knowledge, attitude and willingness to allow their spouses use modem contraceptives in Ibadan Northwest Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional survey. A three stage random sampling technique was used to select 556 married men (one man per house). Data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Nine Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted. The FGD data were analyzed using the thematic approach. Data from questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Chi-square. Respondents' mean age was 41.1±11.6 years. Most respondents (90.2%), had at least primary education. Virtually all respondents (98.9%) had heard about modem contraceptives. Their mean knowledge score on the benefits and side-effects of modem contraceptives was 8.8±2.9 out of a maximum of 21 points. The mean knowledge scores of the respondents by level of education were: no formal education (6.4±2.5); primary education (8.4±2.8); Arabic education (8.7±1.5); secondary education (8.9±2.9) and tertiary education 10.1±2.5 (p<0.05). Radio was the major source of information (43.0%) about MCs. Eighty-eight percent had positive attitude to MCs as they agreed that men should encourage their spouses to use MCs. About 72.8% agreed that it was improper for a woman to initiate family planning (FP) discussions. Initiation of FP discussions by wives was more among the Christians (26.3%) than Muslims (17%) (p<0.05). Majority of the respondents (67.6%) had given consent to spouses to use MCs, while 55.9% had wives currently using MCs. The factors which could make the respondents withdraw consent included desire for more children (60.8%), fear of side-effects (18.5%) and suspicion of infidelity (5.0%). The major reasons for allowing spouses to use MCs were to prevent unintended pregnancy (63.1%), protect wives' health (14.9%) and promote family well-being, (14.6%). The main reasons adduced by 32.4% who had never allowed their spouses to use MCs were fear of wives becoming unfaithful (46.9%) and perceived side effects (17.6%). Sixty percent of the 32.4% who had never allowed their wives use MCs said they would never change their minds, while the remaining 40% percent of the same cohort reported willingness to provide consent for spousal use of MCs. Thirty four percent of respondents would stop spouses' use of MCs immediately if they discover they use MCs secretly, while (26.5%) would divorce their spouses for the same reason. Majority of FGD discussants believed that side -effects and infidelity could result from allowing their spouse use of MCs. Majority said that love, trust and joint-decision making between couples, unity and understanding will improve MCs use among couples.

Most men are favourably disposed to MCs by their spouses despite some knowledge deficit and misconceptions concerning MCs. Health education strategies such as advocacy, counseling and public enlightenment are needed to further encourage men to support their spouses to adopt MCs.