Involving Men in Family Planning: The Male Motivation Campaign in the Rural Areas of Abia State of Nigeria Pages 69-72

E.E. Enwereji1, E.C. Ndimele1 and K.O. Enwereji2

1College of Medicine, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria; 2Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi Anambra State, Nigeria

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12970/2309-0529.2014.02.03.2

Abstract: Introduction: Study intends to increase male involvement in contraceptive use (particularly condoms) by training men as change agents. This study is important because men using condom as family planning method is still an alien concept and chances of its easy acceptability in the face of dislike are doubtful. Study highlights strategies necessary to increase condom use among men in rural areas.

Materials and Method: Study was done in three randomly selected rural areas of Abia State. Sample of 138 men between (25-59 years) was randomly selected for study.

A 5-day training centered on role models, self-reliance, and teamwork approaches was conducted. Pre-contraceptive and post-contraceptive interviews were also conducted. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Finding: Pre-contraceptive campaign showed that 12 (8.7%) men supported condom use while in post- contraceptive campaign 34(24.6%) men supported condom use. In pre-contraceptive campaign only 8(5.8%) men jointly made decisions on reproductive and family planning issues with their wives, while for post- contraceptive campaign, 35(25.4%) jointly did.

Reasons men who refused condom use had include: “inconvenience to use, lack of sexual enjoyment, and others.

Though drama was scripted for male audience, finding showed that it attracted unexpected large number of women listenership, 65 of them attended corresponding to 47% of the sample studied. The most innovative and attractive activity to men during the campaign was football tournament with pictures of some local football heroes who promoted condom use.
Keywords: Condom, family planning, campaign, drama. Read more