Attitudes and perceptions of males towards contraceptives services in Engela District of Ohangwena Region, Namibia

Introduction In sub-Saharan Africa the unmet need for contraception for married couples is estimated to be 24%, with rural, uneducated, poor women generally experiencing a greater risk for unplanned, unwanted pregnancies compared to their urban, educated, well informed counterparts. Recommendations for addressing unmet contraceptive need are inclined to emphasise family planning programmatic efforts. The role of men in contraceptive decisions tends to receive less attention, the perception being that men are often uninvolved and unsupportive of the contraceptive needs of their female partners. This study reviewed the attitudes and perceptions of men about contraceptive services in Engela District of the Ohangwena Region, Namibia. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews (KII) with men and women aged between 18-60 years residing in the Engela district of the Ohangwena Region. Men and women were purposively selected and participated in four and two focus group discussions respectively to explore the subject. Interviews with six influential and respected key informants, including government officials and community leaders were conducted. Data generated from the interviews were transcribed, coded, and content analysis conducted. Based on the research domain, themes and subthemes were generated. Purposive sampling was done. Many people were contacted to participate as participants in the research, some declined from participating due to lack of interest, and it was only those that were keen on participating that were enlisted by the research assistants. Influential leaders, respected in the community were also selected as KII. Results The findings revealed that specific reproductive health issues are common in the community, with a high level of awareness of family planning and contraceptives among men and women, many women having access to contraceptives Yet men held negative views about women’s decision to use contraceptives without their consideration and approval by them. The results indicated that community-level information was not ideal, and should be improved. Conclusion The study showed that most of the men who participated in the study are well informed about family planning and available contraceptive options for both men and women. It also revealed the attitudes and perceptions of men to FP and contraception use of women. However, there is little male involvement in contraceptive decisions