The Role of Men in Contraceptive Decision-Making in Fanshekara Village, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Context: Until recently, the role of men in family planning and other reproductive health programmes has been neglected. Reports from other places indicate an increase in the role played by men in these activities. In rural northern Nigeria, the culture and religion are different from what obtains elsewhere and it is important to investigate men's role in reproductive choices. The outcome may be of use in planning reproductive services in similar communities. Objective: To investigate the role men played in contraceptive decision making in a rural northern Nigerian community. Study Design/Setting and Subjects: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Fanshekara village near Kano. Using systematic sampling, 120 married men in a rural area of Northern Nigeria were selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Among the respondents, 65% disapproved of the very concept of contraception. Disapproval was higher among those with low educational attainment. Reasons for the men's disapproval were mainly based on religious and cultural factors. More than two-thirds (68%) of the men felt that family size determination and contraceptive decision-making was entirely their responsibility, while 73% had never discussed these issues with their wives. A positive attitude in the husband was significantly associated with current use of contraception (X2=5.32; df=1, p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings have revealed a need to integrate men into various aspects of reproductive health programmes and to bridge the gap between family planning service providers, and the religious and other community leaders in the northern part of Nigeria.