Background: Spousal communication can improve family planning use and continuation. Yet, in countries with high fertility rates and unmet need, men have often been regarded as unsupportive of their partner's use of family planning methods.
This study examines men and women's perceptions regarding obstacles to men's support and uptake of modern contraceptives. Methods: A qualitative study using 18 focus group discussions FGDs with purposively selected men aged and women aged as well as eight key informant interviews KIIs with government and community leaders was conducted in in Bugiri and Mpigi Districts, Uganda.
Open-ended question guides were used to explore men and women's perceptions regarding barriers to men's involvement in reproductive health. Results: Five themes were identified as rationale for men's limited involvement: i perceived side effects of female contraceptive methods which disrupt sexual activity, ii limited choices of available male contraceptives, including fear and concerns relating to vasectomy, iii perceptions that reproductive health was a woman's domain due to gender norms and traditional family planning communication geared towards women, iv preference for large family sizes which are uninhibited by prolonged birth spacing; and v concerns that women's use of contraceptives will lead to extramarital sexual relations.
In general, knowledge of effective contraceptive methods was high. However, lack of time and overall limited awareness regarding the specific role of men in reproductive health was also thought to deter men's meaningful involvement in issues related to fertility regulation. Conclusion: Decision-making on contraceptive use is the shared responsibility of men and women. Effective development and implementation of male-involvement family planning initiatives should address barriers to men's supportive participation in reproductive health, including addressing men's negative beliefs regarding contraceptive services.
Abstract Background: Spousal communication can improve family planning use and continuation. Publication types Research Support, N. Gov't Research Support, U. Gov't, P.
