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Previous studies have suggested that social and cultural factors significantly influence people’s willingness to use the male contraceptive pill, which is in relatively advanced development. The present study aims at comparing Spanish and Mozambican participants level of willingness to take a male contraceptive pill. Factorial designed scenarios were used to collect data on the two population samples (Spain = 402 participants; Mozambique = 412 participants). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs) were performed comparing the average scores of Mozambique and Spain at the levels of each modelled factor: The cost of the pills (30 €/USD 20 for 3 months vs. free); Efficacy (99% vs. 95%); Side effects (none, mild and severe); Context (disease, condom abandonment and diversification of contraceptive methods). The two groups found significant differences in the scores for each of the four factors, in light of the socio-cultural differences between the two countries. In the Spanish sample, the main factor affected the willingness to use male contraceptive pill (MCP) were the side effects, while for Mozambican men it was the context. Along with technological change, an ideological-social change in gender roles is required to ensure equity in contraceptive responsibilities and the participation of men at all socio-demographic levels in reproductive health.

The development of male hormonal contraceptives (MHCs) is underway, and they may be available soon. Gender norms in family planning and predictors of use of MHCs need to be considered when addressing MHC promotion and adherence strategies. For this reason, an evaluation of the acceptability factors of MHC methods in the population is carried out from a gender perspective. A systematic review following the PRISMA 2009 checklist has been performed. Articles indexed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CUIDEN databases were included. Twentynine original articles were evaluated. Most evidence comes from Europe and North America. There is a high acceptability of MHCs in both sexes (reaching more than 70%). There are differences between countries and cultures. The main factors influencing willingness to use MHCs are: side effects; route of administration (MHC pill preferred by most men and injections by most women); frequency of administration (influenced by the previous factors); level of education and health behaviours; religion; perception of shared responsibility; perception of masculinity; and impaired sexual function/desire. Efficacy has not been sufficiently explored.Gender-dependent attitudes towards contraceptive responsibility need to be further explored, so that policies that favour equal reproductive rights can be formulated once MHCs are marketed.

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