Project – Knowledge and attitude of men toward family planning in Okpanam Community

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Family planning is a crucial aspect of reproductive health, and its effectiveness is largely determined by the knowledge and attitudes of individuals toward it. In many regions, including Okpanam, the role of men in family planning has been largely overlooked, despite their significant influence in decision-making processes regarding reproductive health. This literature review examines existing research on the knowledge and attitudes of men toward family planning, focusing on communities similar to Okpanam and how cultural, social, and economic factors influence these perspectives.

Men’s knowledge of family planning methods is critical in promoting effective family planning practices. According to a study by Doku et al. (2012), knowledge of contraceptive methods among men in sub-Saharan Africa is often limited, with many men being uninformed or misinformed about available methods. In Okpanam, as in many rural Nigerian communities, this knowledge gap may be exacerbated by traditional gender roles and lack of adequate sexual health education. The study highlighted the need for targeted educational interventions aimed at increasing male participation in family planning, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Men in such communities often rely on traditional beliefs and cultural norms that influence their perceptions of contraceptive use.

Attitudes toward family planning among men are shaped by various factors, including cultural beliefs, religious teachings, and socioeconomic status. A study by Akinmoladun et al. (2016) found that men in Nigeria often perceive family planning as a woman’s responsibility, with little involvement from their side. This gendered perception is particularly evident in patriarchal societies, where men hold authority over reproductive decisions. In Okpanam, such attitudes may prevent men from actively participating in discussions about family planning or supporting their partners in using contraceptive methods. Understanding these attitudes is crucial for designing interventions that promote shared decision-making in reproductive health.

The role of socio-economic factors in shaping men’s knowledge and attitudes toward family planning cannot be overstated. According to Adamu et al. (2018), higher levels of education and income are associated with greater knowledge and acceptance of family planning methods among men. In Okpanam, where access to formal education may be limited, men may not have the necessary information or resources to make informed decisions about family planning. Furthermore, economic pressures and livelihood challenges can affect men’s willingness to invest in family planning methods. The community’s socio-economic status significantly impacts men’s attitudes, as those with limited resources may view family planning as an unnecessary expense.

Health systems and the availability of family planning services are also crucial in influencing men’s participation in reproductive health. In rural areas like Okpanam, limited access to healthcare facilities and family planning services can hinder men’s engagement with reproductive health. Studies, such as those by Wado et al. (2013), have shown that the availability of accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive family planning services is essential for encouraging male involvement. In Okpanam, there is a need for community-based health programs that not only focus on female participation but also engage men in family planning decisions.

Lastly, community and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping men’s attitudes toward family planning. In many African communities, including Okpanam, cultural norms and traditional beliefs about masculinity often conflict with the idea of family planning. Men may view the use of contraceptives as undermining their masculinity or as a sign of weakness, as noted by Olusanya et al. (2017). However, when community leaders and influencers advocate for family planning, male participation tends to increase. Therefore, incorporating cultural sensitivities and working with local leaders can help shift attitudes and encourage greater involvement of men in family planning in Okpanam.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Family planning is a fundamental aspect of public health that can improve the well-being of families and communities. Despite the numerous benefits of family planning, such as reducing maternal and infant mortality, improving economic stability, and promoting healthier families, there remains a significant gap in male involvement in reproductive health decisions, particularly in rural Nigerian communities like Okpanam. In many societies, including Okpanam, family planning is often perceived as primarily the woman’s responsibility, with men playing a minimal or absent role in its discussion and decision-making. This lack of male engagement in family planning is a critical issue, as men play a pivotal role in reproductive health decisions within households.

One of the primary challenges in Okpanam is the limited knowledge of family planning methods among men. Many men in the community are not fully informed about the various contraceptive methods available, their benefits, and potential side effects. This lack of awareness can lead to misconceptions, misinformation, and resistance to using or supporting family planning methods. Consequently, the decision-making process in family planning often remains one-sided, with women bearing the burden of responsibility for reproductive health without the support of their male counterparts. This knowledge gap is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where access to sexual health education and reproductive health services is limited.

In addition to knowledge gaps, negative attitudes toward family planning are a significant barrier to its acceptance and use among men in Okpanam. Cultural norms and traditional gender roles often shape men’s perceptions of family planning, with some viewing it as a threat to their masculinity or power within the family. In patriarchal societies like Okpanam, where men are typically regarded as the primary decision-makers, the idea of sharing reproductive responsibilities can be seen as undermining their authority. These attitudes discourage men from discussing family planning with their partners or from actively participating in the decision-making process, ultimately reducing the effectiveness of family planning programs in the community.

Economic factors also play a role in shaping men’s attitudes and knowledge about family planning in Okpanam. The financial cost of contraceptive methods and limited access to affordable healthcare services can deter men from seeking family planning information or services. In rural communities, economic pressures, such as low income and limited employment opportunities, may further hinder the uptake of family planning methods. Men who are struggling to meet basic needs may view family planning as an unnecessary expense, despite the long-term health and economic benefits. As a result, many men in Okpanam may not prioritize family planning or may fail to see it as an essential investment in their families’ well-being.

Moreover, the accessibility of family planning services in Okpanam is another critical issue that affects men’s participation in reproductive health decisions. Although family planning services exist in some rural areas, they are often poorly equipped, understaffed, and difficult to access, particularly for men. This lack of access to family planning resources and support further discourages male involvement in reproductive health. In Okpanam, men may not have adequate information or means to obtain family planning services, further entrenching the gendered division of labor in reproductive health.

Finally, the cultural and social dynamics within Okpanam play a significant role in shaping the overall environment for family planning. Community attitudes, influenced by local leaders, religious institutions, and cultural traditions, can either promote or hinder the acceptance of family planning among men. In Okpanam, as in many rural communities, entrenched cultural beliefs about masculinity and reproduction often conflict with the concept of shared responsibility for family planning. Without intervention to shift these cultural narratives and involve local leaders in promoting male participation, achieving equitable family planning outcomes in Okpanam will remain a challenge.

The lack of male involvement in family planning in Okpanam is a multifaceted problem influenced by gaps in knowledge, negative attitudes, economic constraints, limited access to services, and entrenched cultural norms. Addressing these issues is essential for improving reproductive health outcomes in the community. There is a need for comprehensive educational campaigns, improved healthcare access, and community-based interventions that engage men in family planning decisions, thereby fostering shared responsibility for reproductive health within households.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Knowledge and attitude of men toward family planning in Okpanam Community. The specific objectives are:

1. To assess the level of knowledge among men in Okpanam Community regarding different family planning methods.
2. To determine the attitudes of men in Okpanam Community towards the use of family planning.
3. To identify the factors influencing men’s knowledge and attitudes towards family planning in Okpanam Community.
4. To explore the barriers that prevent men in Okpanam Community from accessing and utilizing family planning services.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. To assess the level of knowledge among men regarding different family planning methods.
2. To determine the attitudes of men towards the use of family planning methods.
3. To identify the factors influencing men’s decision-making regarding family planning.
4. To explore the communication patterns between men and their partners regarding family planning.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the level of knowledge among men regarding different family planning methods?
2. What are the attitudes of men towards the use of family planning methods?
3. What factors influence men’s decision-making regarding family planning?
4. What are the communication patterns between men and their partners regarding family planning?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Men’s decision-making will not affect family planning

H1: Men’s decision-making will affect family planning

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study aims to explore the knowledge and attitudes of men toward family planning in Okpanam, a rural community in Nigeria, and its findings are significant for several reasons. First and foremost, understanding the level of awareness and attitudes of men toward family planning is crucial in addressing the gaps in reproductive health care in rural areas. Men play a critical role in family planning decisions, and their involvement can significantly enhance the effectiveness of family planning programs. By highlighting the knowledge gaps and attitudes that hinder male participation, this study will contribute to the design of targeted interventions to improve male involvement in family planning.

Secondly, this study is significant because it focuses on a rural community like Okpanam, where the socio-cultural dynamics and access to health services differ greatly from urban settings. In rural areas, traditional gender roles and limited access to education often restrict men’s involvement in reproductive health decisions. Understanding these local factors in Okpanam will provide valuable insights into the unique barriers men face in adopting family planning practices. By emphasizing the community-specific context, the findings can guide the development of more culturally sensitive and relevant family planning programs that cater to the needs and attitudes of men in rural settings.

Another key significance of this study lies in its potential to challenge and shift gendered perceptions about family planning. In many cultures, including Okpanam, family planning is often seen as the woman’s responsibility, and men may be hesitant or unwilling to engage in reproductive health decisions. This study seeks to explore the extent of such attitudes and uncover the underlying factors that contribute to male disinterest or resistance. By providing evidence on these gendered perceptions, the study can inform strategies to foster a more inclusive approach to family planning, where both men and women share equal responsibility for reproductive health decisions.

Furthermore, the findings of this study have the potential to influence public health policy and program development at the local and national levels. Family planning programs often overlook the role of men, focusing predominantly on women. However, research has shown that male involvement can significantly improve contraceptive use and overall family planning outcomes. By documenting the knowledge and attitudes of men in Okpanam, this study could advocate for the inclusion of men in family planning policies and programs, urging policymakers to design interventions that involve men as active participants in reproductive health initiatives.

The study is also significant in its potential to improve health outcomes within Okpanam and similar rural communities. By identifying the barriers men face in accessing and accepting family planning methods, the research can guide the development of more effective strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality, unplanned pregnancies, and unsafe abortions. Men’s engagement in family planning can lead to better maternal health outcomes by ensuring that women receive the support they need to make informed decisions regarding contraception and reproductive health. This study, therefore, plays a vital role in contributing to the overall improvement of public health in rural Nigeria.

Finally, the study will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on male involvement in family planning within the context of sub-Saharan Africa. While there has been considerable research on women’s knowledge and attitudes toward family planning, less attention has been given to men, particularly in rural settings. This study will fill this gap and provide a deeper understanding of how cultural, social, and economic factors influence men’s attitudes and behaviors toward family planning. It will also provide valuable data that can be used by researchers, health practitioners, and community leaders to design more effective, gender-sensitive family planning interventions in the region.

In sum, the significance of this study lies in its potential to inform strategies for improving male participation in family planning, particularly in rural Nigerian communities like Okpanam. By addressing the knowledge gaps and challenging gendered attitudes toward family planning, this study has the potential to foster more inclusive reproductive health practices, enhance health outcomes, and shape public health policies. The findings will not only benefit Okpanam but can also be applied to similar rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to broader efforts aimed at improving family planning and reproductive health in the region.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the knowledge and attitude of men toward family planning in Okpanam Community. The study is limited to men in Okpanam Community, Delta State.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Knowledge: Knowledge refers to the understanding, awareness, and information that an individual or group possesses about a particular subject or issue. In the context of this study, knowledge refers to the awareness that men have regarding family planning methods, such as contraceptives, their benefits, potential side effects, and how they can contribute to reproductive health. This knowledge can be acquired through various sources such as formal education, health campaigns, community discussions, or personal experiences.

Attitude: Attitude refers to a person’s feelings, beliefs, and perceptions toward a particular issue or practice. It involves the way individuals think, feel, and behave in response to a specific topic. In the context of family planning, attitude refers to the opinions or stance that men hold regarding the use of contraceptive methods, the involvement of men in reproductive health decisions, and the perceived importance of family planning. These attitudes can be positive, neutral, or negative, and they are influenced by social, cultural, and personal factors.

Men: Men refer to adult human males, typically defined as individuals who are biologically male and identify as male. In the context of this study, “men” refers specifically to adult males in Okpanam community who have the potential to be involved in family planning decisions and practices. The study explores how their knowledge and attitudes toward family planning influence their participation in reproductive health matters, especially in households and communities.

Family Planning: Family planning refers to the practice of controlling the number and timing of children in a family through the use of contraception or other fertility control methods. It involves a range of strategies and methods, including hormonal contraceptives, barrier methods (such as condoms), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization procedures. Family planning also includes planning and spacing births to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and child. The broader concept of family planning encompasses education, counseling, and access to reproductive health services to allow individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family size.

Project – Knowledge and attitude of men toward family planning in Okpanam Community