Uptake and Associated Factors of Male Contraceptive Method Use: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Uganda

Raymond Tumwesigye; Eustes Kigongo; Stella Nakiganga; Godfred Mbyariyehe; Joel Nabeshya; Amir Kabunga; Marvin Musinguzi; Richard Migisha

doi:10.2147/OAJC.S418820

Uptake and Associated Factors of Male Contraceptive Method Use: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Uganda

Open Access J Contracept. 2023 Jul 14:14:129-137. doi: 10.2147/OAJC.S418820. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Raymond Tumwesigye¹, Eustes Kigongo², Stella Nakiganga³, Godfred Mbyariyehe³, Joel Nabeshya¹, Amir Kabunga⁴, Marvin Musinguzi⁵, Richard Migisha⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Emergency Nursing and Critical Care, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
² Department of Environment Health and Disease Control, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
³ Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
⁴ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
⁵ Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
⁶ Department of Physiology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda.

Abstract

Background: Uganda has one of the highest fertility rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Improving contraceptive uptake in all genders, including males, may be critical to meeting family planning goals in such a setting. Yet, data on male contraception uptake and associated factors in SSA, including Uganda, are limited. We determined the uptake and associated factors of male contraception use in Lira City, Northern Uganda.

Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from November 12, 2022, to December 12, 2022, among men aged ≥18 years. We used multi-stage sampling to select participants from 12 cells of Lira City divisions of East and West. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. We defined uptake in males who had used any contraceptive method, including periodic abstinence, withdrawal, condoms, and vasectomy in the previous four weeks. We performed modified Poisson regression to identify associated factors of male contraception uptake.

Results: We recruited 401 participants with mean age of 30.4 (±9.3) years. Male contraceptive uptake was 46.4%, 95% CI: 41.5-51.3%. Ever heard about male contraception (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] =1.73, 95% CI: 1.172-2.539, p=0.006), willingness to use novel methods (aPR=2.90, 95% CI: 1.337-6.293, p=0.007), both partners being responsible for contraception (aPR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.113-2.119, p=0.009) were the factors associated with male contraception uptake.

Conclusion: We found that nearly half of the men surveyed had used male contraceptive methods in Lira City. Factors associated with the uptake of male contraception included having heard about male contraception, joint couple decision regarding contraception, and the use of novel methods of male contraception. We recommend comprehensive education and awareness campaigns to promote male contraception, with a particular emphasis on encouraging shared decision-making within couples and introducing innovative contraceptive options.

Keywords: Uganda; knowledge; male contraception; practices; uptake.

Grants and funding

This research was supported by seed funding from the Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRTH) at the University of Michigan, United States. This research work was supported by the Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT-UM), at the University of Michigan, it mainly supported the process of proposal development, data collection, and processing. The funder does not have any influence on the study findings or its processes.