Knowledge and attitude of men towards vasectomy as a family planning method in Chipata district.

Abstract

The reason for this study was to determine knowledge and attitude of men towards vasectomy as a method of family planning. Chipata District Health Action plan 2008-2010 has indicated an increase of BTL uptake by women, but statistics for men has shown a very low number of men opting for vasectomy. Hence the outcome of this study will help to formulate strategies for male involvement in family planning services. Literature from various scholars globally, regionally and nationally was reviewed on men's knowledge and attitude towards utilization of vasectomy. A pilot study was done at Feni Sub Centre in Chipata District so as to assess whether the instrument to be used would be suitable to collect the desired data and also to detect and correct the mistakes. The study was conducted at Mwami Hospital and Mwami Health Centre in Chipata District Eastern Province of Zambia. This was a cross-sectional study, using self-administered pre-tested questionnaires containing mainly close-ended questions. The questionnaires were given to 50 men selected using simple random method. The responses were analyzed manually using a data master sheet. The study finding has revealed that that the majority of the respondents 32 (64%) had low level knowledge while only 18 (36%) of the respondents had high level of knowledge on vasectomy as a family planning method. The study has also shown that the majority of the respondents 31 (62%) had negative attitude while 19 (38%) had positive attitude towards vasectomy as a family planning method. Vasectomy was viewed as castration by 33 (66%) of respondents. Their lack of knowledge on vasectomy and poor attitudes towards vasectomy were based on myths and misconceptions regarding the procedure. Interestingly, level of education did not show to improve vasectomy uptake. The study has indicated that out of 41 respondents who had secondary and college/university, only 41.5% had high knowledge on vasectomy, while the majority 58.5% had low level of knowledge on vasectomy. This shows that despite having good educational background, the majority of the respondents had low level of knowledge about vasectomy as a family planning method.