Factors influencing family size preference and contraceptive behavior among married men : A case study of Machoge Borabu location in Kisii district, Kenya

Abstract

The study is concerned with the investigation of the factors that influence family size preferences and contraceptive behaviour among married men in Machoge Borabu Location. The factors considered include educational level, occupation, income, land size, preferred family size, age, age at first marriage, religion, old age security and sex preference. The factors considered were important as they touch the community' demographic, social and economic characteristics. TIley affect the community's pattern of behaviour as specifically relates to family size preference and contraceptives use. A total of 150 married men were selected through multi-stage random sampling technique. The key instrument for data collection was an interview schedule. Other data collection methods include simple observation and use of available records. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are used in data analysis. Computation of these statistics were through the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) computer programme. The study findings showed that respondents had a high level of awareness of family planning methods but the actual adoption of these methods was low. Educational level, age and occupation were significant at 95% confidence level with family preference; whereas income, religion, age at first marriage and old age security were not. Educational level, 98e at first marriage, religion and income were found to be negatively related to the family size preference. Age, land size, old age security and occupation were positively related with family size preference. The study further found educational level, income, occupation and religion to be significant at 95% level of confidence with contraceptive use. However, land size, religion 98e at marriage, child sex preference, old age security and family size preferred were not. TIle level of education, income and age at first marriage were found to be negatively related to contraceptive use. Occupation, family size preferred, 98e, religion, child sex preference, and old 98e security were found to be positively related to contraceptive use. The study reconunends promotion of family planning among men through revival of adult literacy classes and use of condoms among couples. It also recommends that family planning education should be introduced in the school curriculum and that, conununity based distribution of condoms should be increased. Further research is also necessary to follow-up clients who have used specific family planning methods such as vasectomy, in order to know what influenced them to use such methods. Their motivation(s) could be used to promote adoption of the relevant family planning technology by men.