Level of men involvement in family planning practices and implementation in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Family planning has attracted attentions all over the world due to its relevance in decision making, population growth and development. Despite this, family planning programmes by the government and other non-state actors have traditionally focused on women as the primary beneficiaries of family planning and also due to their feminist nature, it makes them subservient hence high compliers of health issues family planning being among them yet men have been considered as the silent partners of family planning services. The aim of this study was to investigate the level at which men are involved in family planning practices and implementation in Kakamega County, Kenya. This study adopted cross-sectional survey design using mixed methodology. The study targeted 17469 household heads in Likuyani, Malava and Lugari sub-Counties. Krejcie and Morgan Sample size determination formula was used to obtain 376 respondents. Stratified, simple random, purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the participants. Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Instrument validity was done through expert judgement while reliability involved the use of test-retest method. Data obtained was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Frequencies, percentages, mean and Standard deviation was used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data from interview schedules was transcribed, thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations. The study found that on average, 10.1% of the inhabitants of Kakamega County who used family planning methods between the years 2013 to 2017 were men. This shows that the levels at which men are involved in family planning is low. This study may be of importance to couples in understanding the determinants that hinder men in participating in family planning.