Contraceptive Knowledge among Men and its Influence on their Participation in their Partner’s Modern Contraceptive use in Dallas Sub-location, Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality is a global health concern. Use of modern contraceptive has the potential of reducing maternal mortality by two thirds. However, the prevalence of modern contraceptives is low especially in sub–Saharan Africa region. Male participation has been promoted as one of the strategies to increase contraceptive prevalence. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of contraceptive knowledge on participation in partner contraceptive use among married or in-union men. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Dallas Sub-location of Embu County involving married or in-union men aged 18 to 64 years. Data was corrected using a semi-structured questionnaire developed and administered by the researcher. SPSS version 28.0 was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data whereas Chi-square was used to test relationship at 95% CI. Results: Most participants (37.9%, n=89) were aware of three or more modern contraceptive methods with about three quarter (75.2%, n=155) aware of oral contraceptive pills. A significant relationship was established between the participants contraceptive knowledge and number of children (p=0.021) as well as highest academic qualification (p=0.011). Most participants (86.3%, n=202) indicated that they participated in their partner’s use of modern contraceptives. The correlation between knowledge and men participation was not significant (p=0.674). Conclusion: Men had adequate contraceptive knowledge and high level of participation in their partner’s modern contraceptive use. The level of knowledge did not significantly influence their participation. Key words: Abortion, contraceptive knowledge, modern contraceptives, men participation, Kenya