Determinants of Male Involvement in Family Planning Services in Tarime District, Tanzania

This study examined the determinants of male involvement in family planning services in Tarime District, Tanzania. Specifically, at attaining four objectives, first to assess the levels of male involvement in family planning services, second, to examine people’s perception about family planning services, third, levels of male support of their partners in the use of contraceptives. Lastly, to evaluate the intervention measures of men’s involvement in family planning services. Social cognitive theory and theory of planned behaviour were used to understand the interface individual behaviour and social realities on modern family planning services. Cross sectional research design was used and data collecting tools used were survey questionnaire, in depth interview guide and focus group discussion guide. The sample size was 108 males and the sampling was largely done randomly. The analysis of quantitative data was done by using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics while the qualitative data were subjected to thematic and content analysis. The major findings show that the acceptability of modern family planning services among people in the study community was moderated with a little more than half (55%) of sampled men reported to have used family planning service. Knowledge was high (96%) in the study community; this does not indicate that knowledge can be translated into practice. Evidence from logistic regression revealed that education, having children and age were statistically significant, at different P value level as they affect likelihood of family planning usage. The study recommends that, relevant stakeholders should ensure availability, accessibility and sustainable advocacy for use of family planning services Keywords: Male involvement, family planning, contraceptive, Tarim