Assessment of Male Involvement in Long-Acting and Permanent Contraceptive Use of Their Partner in West Badewacho, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Male involvement in family planning use particularly in long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPCM) is a key strategy to reduce fertility, and promote maternal and child health. Despite this, little is known about male involvement in LAPCM use of their partners in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess male involvement in long-acting and permanent contraceptive method use in west Badewacho district, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 564 participants from April 1 to 30/2019. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select eligible participants. A pre-tested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify associated factors. The adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was estimated to show the direction and strength of the association. Variables with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: About 108 (19.9%, 95% CI: (16.8, 23.2)) participants were involved in LAPCM use. Being urban dweller [AOR=3.13; 95% CI: (1.58, 6.19)], discussion with wives about LAPCM [AOR=2.81; 95% CI: (1.64, 4.8)], having good knowledge about LAPCM [AOR=2.55; 95% CI: (1.42, 4.57)], and positive attitude towards LAPCM [AOR=2.16; 95% CI: (1.16, 4.02)] were significantly associated factors.

Conclusion: Overall, the male involvement in LAPCM use was low. Enhancing male involvement in family planning use through creating community awareness, encouraging inter-spousal communication to enhance decision making, and increasing positive attitude towards LAPCM in the community is crucial to decrease the problem.