Male Involvement in Family Planning and Associated Factors among Women Attending PUMHS Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: Male involvement is a crucial but little-known factor of family-planning adoption in patriarchal cultures. Poor interaction between males tends to limit the reproductive freedom and the use of contraceptives by women. Objective: The aim to measure the degree of male interest and determine aspects influencing the involvement of men in the contraceptives decision-making process of married women at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences (PUMHS), Nawabshah. Methodology: A cross-sectional study, which passed through six months, was carried out among 110 married women of reproductive age (18 40 years). Primary data were gathered using structured interviews based on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, communication, and decision patterns. The descriptive frequencies and chi-square were used in the statistical analysis to investigate relationships between male participation and contraception decision-making. Results: The average age of the participants was 29.7 /5.8 years; 83 percent indicated that they had a husband in family-planning discussions. It was observed that in 47 percent joint decision was made, 39 percent was husband-led, and 14 percent was woman-led. Sharing of decisions was significantly associated with the involvement of males ( 2 = 11.9; p = 0.003). Eighty-five percent of the spouses were reported to communicate about contraception and had a strong association between male engagement and the use of contraceptives (p < 0.001). There was also a correlation between joint decision-making and higher female education. Conclusion: The involvement of males makes a significant contribution to the fair use of contraceptives. Incorporation of men in counseling, outreach and education programs is necessary to enhance reproductive autonomy and enhance the family-planning results.

Keywords:

High-Risk Pregnancy; Maternal and Fetal Outcomes; Medical Record Completeness; Obstetric Documentation; Placenta Accreta Spectrum; Quality Improvement