A Comparative Qualitative Survey of Male Involvement in Family Planning in Urban and Rural Communities of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nigeria's total fertility rate has remained high despite decades of family planning (FP) programmes. Studies have identified men as barriers to the use of contraceptives by women. The study aimed to explore and compare the knowledge of FP, perception of FP, male involvement (MI) in FP, barriers and facilitators to MI in FP among men in urban and rural communities of Sokoto State. Methods: A comparative qualitative study was done among married men in urban and rural areas of Sokoto State in April 2019. Eight focus group discussions were conducted among 55 married men purposively selected and grouped based on educational status and age. Data were transcribed verbatim and content analysis on emerging themes was done. Results: The participants said that FP is beneficial to the mother, the child and the father. Almost all the participants expressed unwillingness to use or allow their wives to use the permanent methods of FP. Almost all the participants in the urban and rural groups said that men should be involved in FP. Religion and ignorance were the most common barriers mentioned in the urban and rural groups. Increasing awareness of FP, religious leaders and traditional rulers championing the issue of FP and increase commitment by the government were the facilitating factors of MI in FP. Conclusion: The participants said that FP is beneficial and that men should be involved in it. Sokoto State government should increase commitment to FP by carrying out state-wide campaigns and outreaches at regular intervals.