Determinants of men involvement in partner modern Contraceptive use in Chuka sub-county, Tharaka nithi, Kenya

Abstract

Men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use is important in achieving universal healthcare through reducing unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. However, only a few men were involved in modern contraceptive use in Kenya and in Chuka Sub-county in Tharaka-Nithi County. This study therefore sets out to investigate determinants of men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use in Chuka Subcounty, Tharaka-Nithi, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the level of men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use, identify the individualrelated factors influencing men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use and determine the social-cultural factors influencing men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use. The study was guided by the theory of planned behaviour. This study was carried out in Chuka Sub-county. Analytical cross-sectional study design with a mixed methods approach was used. The study population comprised adult men residing in Chuka Sub-county who are married or cohabiting. Simple random sampling was used to draw a sample of 423 men in the study. Data for the study was collected using a semistructured researcher-administered questionnaire and focus group discussions. Three focus group discussions were conducted in each of the 3 wards of Chuka Sub-county. Participants were purposively recruited to ensure variation by age and level of involvement in partner contraceptive decisions. A pre-test of the data collection instruments was carried out in Igambang’ombe sub-county. Ethical approval was provided by Chuka University-Ethical Review Committee while a research permit was obtained from national commission of science technology and innovation. The researcher ensured voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity and confidentiality. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression analysis with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 29. Tables and charts were used to present the results of quantitative analysis. Qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis, and reported in narrative form. The study found that only 38.2% of the respondents were involved in modern contraceptive use. Among the individual-related factors, level of education (p=0.024), average monthly income (p=0.041) and knowledge (p<0.001) were significant. Cultural belief (p=0.034) was influencing men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use. Key themes included the influence of individual-related factors such as education, income, and knowledge, as well as cultural beliefs that shaped attitudes and behaviours towards contraceptive use. The study concluded that men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use at Chuka Sub-county in Tharaka-Nithi, Kenya is low and it is influenced by individual-related factors and social-cultural factors. The low prevalence of men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use calls for the establishment of targeted, male-friendly reproductive health programs that actively integrate men into family planning decision-making and service delivery processes. Future studies ought to include female respondents to give opinion of their male partner involvement. The study recommends that the ministry of health should launch a public awareness campaign to promote the uptake of modern contraceptives. There is also need for community health promoters to sensitise the community and especially men on modern contraceptive use and the important role that men play. In addition, healthcare worker perspectives ought to be sought in future studies in order to understand supply side factors affecting men involvement in partner modern contraceptive use.