Males Perception and Involvement in Family Planning in Ohen Ward in Ovia North East Local Government Area

Abstract

Reproductive health affects both men and women, and boosting male involvement in family planning is critical to enhancing maternal health. In Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, men make the key decisions in their households. This study investigates the role of male partners in supporting family planning in Ohen, Ovia North-East Local Government, Edo State, Nigeria. Three research questions led the investigation. The study used a descriptive survey research approach, with a sample of 320 married males aged 18 and above from Ohen Ward among five communities. The data were collected using structured questionnaires, and the analysis was carried out utilizing statistical methods such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage to provide a full comprehension of the responses. The results revealed a broad age distribution among the participants, with 50.6% aged 41 and up, 32.2% aged 31 to 40, and 17.2% aged 30 or younger. Education levels ranged greatly, with the majority (86.6%) having completed secondary school, followed by 7.8% with higher education, 3.4% with primary education, and 2.2% with no formal education. In terms of occupation, 43.4% of participants were farmers, 38.8% worked in business, and 17.8% were civil workers. The sample's religious makeup consisted of 6.9% African Traditional Religion practitioners, 19.7% Muslims, and 73.4% Christians. The majority of participants had favourable opinions on family planning, acknowledging its health advantages and exhibiting knowledge of the different family planning techniques. However, a number of variables, such as cultural and religious beliefs, the scarcity of family planning options, the lack of medical personnel, and financial limitations, all had an impact on their active participation in family planning. The study community's male perceptions of family planning ranged from 4.12 to 4.59 in mean and standard deviation, with a standard deviation of 0.646 to 0.975.