Intention to use vasectomy and associated factors among married men in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Vasectomy is one of the highly effective and non-reversible types of long-term family planning methods for men. Ethiopia has a limited number of studies on the use of vasectomy, and they are focused on men rather than married men. The current study was aimed to identify the intention to use vasectomy as a method of contraception among married men in the study setting. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 – April 30, 2018. A sample of 422 married men was recruited using a systematic random sampling method. We conducted face to face interviews with a structured questionnaire (i.e. closed-ended questions). Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and SPSS version 23 used for data analysis. The statistical association between the outcome variable (Intention to use vasectomy) and the explanatory variables were first tested with binary logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounding effect of each predictor. Results The study findings showed that the intention to use vasectomy as a method of family planning was reported as high (24%). About 34.8% of the respondents had good knowledge and nearly a quarter (23.2%) of them had a positive attitude toward the acceptance of vasectomy use. In multivariate analysis, age range between 30 and 39 years [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = (1.16–4.82)], having good knowledge about vasectomy use [AOR = 6.22, 95% CI = (3.17–12.21)], and having a positive attitude toward vasectomy use [AOR = 7.81, 95% CI = (4.25–14.38)] were factors significantly associated to use vasectomy as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion The level of acceptance of vasectomy (24%) was high compared to the level of its use in developing countries (i.e. if acceptability translates to use). The study revealed that age, good knowledge, and a positive attitude towards the use of vasectomy were important predictors of the intention to accept vasectomy. To further promote the use of vasectomy effective communication strategies in family planning programs are needed.

Knowledge, Attitude and Associated Factors Towards Vasectomy Among Married Men in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia, 2021; A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In this study, 48.4% (95% CI 44.4–52.4%) of married men who had ever heard about vasectomy had a positive attitude towards vasectomy, which was higher than the studies conducted in Nigeria, Addis Ababa, and Gonder (18%, 23.2%, and 15.9%, respectively). 7 , 11 , 18 In Iran, only 21.2% had good attitudes toward vasectomy, and about 44% had weak attitudes toward vasectomy. 16 The reason may be due to the study year and area.…”

“…Among those who had ever heard about vasectomy, 60.6% (95% CI 56.6–64.6%) of the married men had good knowledge about vasectomy; this finding is higher than studies conducted in Edo state, Nigeria, Gonder, Dangila, Western Nepal, and Debre Tabor. 9–11 , 18 This may be due to differences in study participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, year of study, and sample size.…”

Down But Not Out: Vasectomy Is Faring Poorly Almost Everywhere—We Can Do Better To Make It A True Method Option

“… 33 Studies in Ethiopia found knowledge of vasectomy to be associated with an individual’s level of education, 34 , 35 positive attitude toward vasectomy, and intention to use vasectomy. 36 , 37 …”

“…33 Studies in Ethiopia found knowledge of vasectomy to be associated with an individual's level of education, 34,35 positive attitude toward vasectomy, and intention to use vasectomy. 36,37 Furthermore, in surveys of contraceptive use, "knowledge" of vasectomy relates to whether respondents have heard of or are aware of the method but not necessarily to whether they have accurate or correct understanding of it. 38 Vasectomy is the method most plagued by widespread, deep-seated, and persistent myths and misunderstandings about it and biases against it.…”

Barriers to vasectomy acceptance and uptake in Nigeria: a review of the literature

“…Many other studies on vasectomy in West Africa reviewed report that fear, and religious and cultural beliefs, which are also framed as a lack of knowledge, contribute to the poor uptake of vasectomy in the region. [40][41][42][43] . These studies recommend increased publicity and public awareness campaigns on vasectomy.…”