Factors affecting vasectomy uptake in public health facilities in Wakiso district

Abstract

Introduction Programs targeting men in regard to family planning have and are still very little, making reflection on the desires and views of men in contraceptive services to be limited. It was found out that females take a front seat when it comes to family planning issues as methods targeting women are given more interest while males take on the role of just providing support leading to the very low observed utilization of the male focused family planning methods. However, it is believed that involvement of men in contraceptive issues necessitates both social and behavioral change which will not only interest more men in concerns of family planning but they will also start giving support to their spouses in issues relating to other reproductive health matters. Despite of all the above, studies have indicated that male-focused methodse,g-condoms and vasectomy are insignificantly utilized by populations hence further confirming contraception as a largely female responsibility. Objective This study set out to establish the factors affecting vasectomyuptake in public health facilities in Wakiso District. Methodology The study was carried out in six (6) accredited government aided health facilities that offer family planning with emphasis on vasectomy in Wakiso District from which the researcher used a descriptive, cross-sectional study employinga qualitative approach in which a sample of 132 members was used with 12 focus groups discussions of married productive men aged 15-65 and 12 health workers involved in family planning. All data used in this study were obtained using Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews with target groups whose validity was accredited by fellow students and computation of content validity index (C.V.I). Reliability on the other hand was obtained by pre-testing of instruments and results were analyzed used tables and qualitative statements obtained from respondents. Results From the above analyses, results obtained revealed that from the census of all health center IVs and Hospital where Vasectomy is supposed to be carried out, The level of knowledge as far as vasectomy was concerned was low yet health workers were not willing to sensitize communities about the method. Men also were found not willing to participate in family planning. Factors xiii responsible foruptake of vasectomy according to respondents included fear to become impotent, poverty, myths and misconceptions about the method; desire to have more children, prohibitive cultural and religious beliefs. Conclusions From the above analyses, it can be concluded that the level of knowledge among men as far as vasectomy is concerned is still low. Whereas knowledge is still low, men also have a list of self created reasons why they are not interested in this method of family planning; the method being surgical in nature, it scares many from participating, the number of children factor has been indicated to be the most influential factor, income level, culture, perception by entire community, religion, and the general myth among different communities that the method reduces the sexual functionality of the man. In addition, the current family planning framework tends to attract more female participation compared to men. Recommendations The study recommended increased sensitization, modifications in current family planning framework, government intervention and involvement of religious leaders in order to improve vasectomy uptake.