The Male Role as "King of the Family": Barriers to Vasectomy Uptake

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Msoka, Agnes Cyril
Pallangyo, Eunice S
Brownie, Sharon Mary
Holroyd, Eleanor
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2019
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Vasectomy is a long-acting male-centred family planning method that is accepted globally as a safe, low-cost procedure. However, the vasectomy uptake remains low in Africa and birth rates remain high, particularly in rural areas. In Tanzania, family planning education and service delivery are currently women-centred. Vasectomies to date have not been positively perceived in African societies including urban Tanzania, owing to the adherence to strong patriarchal belief systems and the social role of men. This study aimed to explore rural men’s perceptions and beliefs regarding barriers to vasectomy uptake. Significant barriers to vasectomy uptake were the lack of knowledge, expectations around men’s gendered role, religious beliefs, and social stigma. The participants were 51 purposively selected married men aged 35 to 61 years. Four focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews were conducted. Five main themes were extracted, namely men as the kings of their families; multiple sources of knowledge causing confusion; gender roles in family planning; cultural and religious beliefs; and stigma related to failure to produce children after vasectomy. Overall, men expressed the view that vasectomy was a challenge to their role as “king of their family”. Engaging in targeted media releases, using community billboards, and providing grassroots-based health education delivered by male “elimisha rika” (peer educators) at community level are recommended as awareness raising strategies in communities.

Journal Title

Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

21

Issue

2

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Nursing

Science & Technology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

vasectomy

barriers

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Msoka, AC; Pallangyo, ES; Brownie, SM; Holroyd, E, The Male Role as "King of the Family": Barriers to Vasectomy Uptake, Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 2019, 21 (2)

Collections