Margaret N Keraka and Mercy Muthoni
Kenyatta University, Kenya
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Reprod Syst Sex Disord
Statement of the Problem: Contraceptive prevalence for developing countries remains low at 28% for women using any method and 22% for women using modern methods compared (UNFPA, 2010). In Kenya, use of any method is at 58% and modern contraceptive is at 53% (KDHS 2014). Among the lowest wealth quantile; use of any method is 32% and 29% for modern contraceptive despite high knowledge among men at 98.1%. Low use of modern contraceptive methods leads to high fertility rate and high population associated with increased level of poverty. In Kenya, TFR is at 3.9 while the lowest quantile is 6.4. About 22.3% of women aged 15-19 among lowest quantile begin child bearing. 26% of pregnancies are unwanted and/ or untimed despite significant investments put into improving the provision of modern contraceptive services in Kenya. The desired outcomes among lowest wealth quantile have not been realized. Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of male involvement on use of modern contraceptive among sexual partners in Mukuru-Njenga informal settlement, Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A cross-sectional survey employed quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Results: All social demographic characteristics were found to be significantly associated with use of modern contraceptive methods. Age, education level, marital status, religion and occupation were significantly associated with use. MenĂ¢Â?Â?s knowledge of contraceptives was found not to be significantly associated with use of modern contraceptive methods. MenĂ¢Â?Â?s attitude towards modern contraceptives was found to be significantly associated with use of modern contraceptives. There was a significant association between spousal communication and use of modern contraceptive methods. Conclusion & Significance: Use of modern contraceptive methods is affected by socio-demographic factors. MenĂ¢Â?Â?s knowledge of contraceptives alone does not mean use modern contraceptive methods. It takes more than knowledge by men for use of modern contraceptive methods. Partners of men who have positive views of modern contraceptives are more likely to use contraceptives. Recommendations are made for development of national male involvement policy framework to provide guidance on enhancing partner communication.
Margaret N Keraka has her expertise in Research on Population and Reproductive Health and passion in improving the health and wellbeing of women. She has done various researches in Maternal and Child Health. She has organized conferences and workshops on “Integration of reproductive health programs”. She is currently developing training programs in Reproductive Health and Health Promotion.
Email: keraka.margaret@ku.ac.ke
