| dc.description.abstract | Male partner involvement in contraceptive reproductive health is an important aspect of public health worldwide in the control of the upsurge of populations. Decisions about contraceptive use and childbearing may be confounded by unequal power relations, especially in more patriarchal societies as in the Uganda community which emphasizes on male dominance in the culture. Male partner involvement in RH has been shown to greatly influence continuation rates. According to International Organization for migration (IOM) report of 2010, it indicated that current average use of modern contraceptives amongst urban Ugandans was 20%, significantly lower than the UDHS report of 2009 at 46% for Ugandans women. The report also stated that the total fertility rate among the Ugandan population is between 5.7 and 6.7, irrespective of their geographical location. The reproductive health of urban Ugandans is an important issue for Uganda. The aim of the study was to identify male partner involvement in RH amongst Ugandans in different division. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative and qualitative approaches targeting Uganda male partners living with a woman of the reproductive age. Simple random sampling technique was used to get the 255 study participants, who were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, 2 Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) comprising 10 participants each was conducted using the FGD guide. Key informants from the health facility; 1 clinical officer and 4 FP nurses were interviewed using the Key Informant Interview (KII) questionnaire guide. The data from semi-structured questionnaires was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 software. Descriptive statistics were generated and cross tabulation (ChiSquare test and Fischer’s exact test) was done for relationships of variables. Logistic regression was done to assess the effect of various explanatory variables on male partner involvement in RH. The recordings of the FGDs and KIIs were transcribed and main concepts identified. The qualitative data was triangulated wit h the quantitative data to enhance validity and reliability of the study. The results showed proportion of male partners involved in RH at 79.2%.The following factors influenced male partner involvement: Age when first started living with a woman (OR=3.46, p=0.048), Level of education(OR=3.44, p=0.003), Age(OR=2.76, p=0.044),Knowledge on available contraceptive methods (p=<0.001), The respondents who were aware of some methods that could be used to delay pregnancy had significantly more proportion of male involvement at 81.0%(OR=12.78, P=<0.001), 85.2% of the men reported that men should not be actively involved in issues of contraceptives at (OR=3.44, P=<0.001). In conclusion, information sharing on importance and benefits of male partner involvement in contraceptive uptake should be strengthened in the health facilities and the urban Somali refugee community using community strategy to improve male partner involvement. Religious leaders need to be engaged and IEC done to dispel myths and misconceptions. | en_US |
