An evaluation of male participation in family planning activities a case study of Karambaini Sub-Location of Limuru Division, Kiambu District - Kenya

Abstract

This study evaluates male involvement in Family planning activities. This evaluation was done through the testing of four main hypotheses based on the socio - cultural factors thought to influence male involvement in family planning. The study sample is composed of 198 adult males living in Karambaini sub-location, Limuru division of Kiambu District. Systematic sampling was used in selecting the respondents. The key instrument of data collection was the interview schedule, but other methods such as available data, key informants and simple observation were also used. Descriptive statistics such as mean, mode, range and median were used in presenting data pertaining to the background information of the respondents and the research site. In relating independent to dependent variables, higher level of data analysis such as contingency coefficient have been applied. The findings of the study show that majority of the respondents in this study were poor but they were not very traditional-oriented. Male respondents show a high level of awareness of family planning methods but the actual adoption of these methods is found to be low. It is found that the relationship between leadership and use of modern contraceptives is weak and insignificant, suggesting that promotive activities have to be intensified in involving leaders in family planning. It is also found that respondents' level of education does not influence their use of family planning methods but it influences use of modern methods by their wives. Similarly, the respondents' annual family income does not significantly influence the use of family planning. It is shown that use of modern family planning methods does not conflict with traditional cultural values, suggesting that the forces of social change are eroding most of the pro cultural beliefs. However, a significant relationship was observed between respondents' perception of children and their use of family planning methods. Though there is a relationship between proximity to the health facilities and male participation in family planning, this relationship is very weak indicating that males are "not involved by the family planning staff in those clinics. Lastly, the study found a strong relationship between males' knowledge about family planning and their use of family planning methods. Arising from these findings, it is recommended that male leaders are involved in family planning seminars and courses because they constitute an influential group of people in the community. Secondly, family planning programmes should discourage excessive use of money in projects which are geared towards eliminating cultural barriers. The study found that these cultural barriers are no longer a pressing problem. The family planning staff should increase home visits and think of starting male clinics. Thirdly, promotion of detailed family planning education is highly recommended and it should be integrated with the formal education provided in schools.