The Case records and commentaries in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Abstract

Background: In Kenya, little is known about men's knowledge, practice and attitudes towards contraception, despite their being the main decision-makers in most family setups. Objective: The study was to determine contraceptive awareness, practice and attitudes amongst Maasai men in Narok District of Kenya. Study site: Narok District Hospital. Study design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Study methodology: The study was conducted between October and December 2003. All Maasai men above 18 years of age visiting, accompanying their wives to MCHlFP and antenatal clinics or seeking clinical services at Narok District Hospital were approached and requested to participate in the study after a thorough explanation by the investigator on the nature, purpose and other aspects of the study. It was on a free will basis. Only those who consented were interviewed individually through a structured questionnaire. All data was coded and analysed using statistical Epi-information computer package. Interrelationships between several variables were sought and where appropriate, test of significance (Chi-Square and P¬value at 0.05 significance level) were used. Approval for the study was granted by the Kenyatta National Hospital Ethical and Research Committee. Results: A hundred percent of the respondents had heard of at least one method of contraception. The condom was the most known method requiring male participation, known by 100% of the respondents The injectable was the best-known female method and was mentioned by 91 % of the respondents while vasectomy was a distant 29%. Sixty seven percent of the respondents said they approved of contraception. The commonest ever-used male method was the condoms with ever use rate of 77 .5%. The partner ever use rate of contraceptive method was the hormonal injectable contraceptive, used by 40% of those who had ever used a method. Conclusion: Men had a high awareness on contraception and the majority (63%) approved of contraception but the user rate was still low.