CONTRACEPTION AND FERTILITY DECISION MAKING AMONG MEN ATTENDING GENERAL PRACTICE CLINICS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background:

Men are the leading decision-makers in our society, thus it is prudent to involve them in the reproductive health desires of the families. This study aimed to identify the practices, perceptions and attitude regarding contraception and fertility decision-making among men attended general practice clinics in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods:

This cross sectional study included 245 married men. Data was collected by a pre-tested questionnaire.

Results:

Overall, number (52%) of study men never used any method of contraception. While those who do not practiced contraception stated the advantages of more children as supportive to their parents in old ages number (80%) and sons inherit to father’s number (50%).
Furthermore, number(71%) participants believed that it’s only the men’s responsibility to make decision about family size and number (59%) it’s only women’s responsibility to use contraceptive method.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that men in general have misconceptions and poor attitude towards contraception and fertility. To improve men’s practices of contraception and encourage them to share contraception responsibility and decision about family size with their wives, public health practitioners can play an important role.