“Husbands’ Involvement In Family Planning Service Utilization And Associated Factors Among Married Men In Meta Robi District, West Shoa Zone

Abstract

Background: One of the most crucial variables in the use of family planning is the involvement of the husband. Their limitations in the family planning program result in lower service utilization and method cessation, leading to the program's failure. Objectives: to assess the husband’s involvement in family planning service utilization and associated factors among married men in Meta Robi District, West Shoa zone. Methods: A Community based cross-sectional study design was employed. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 610 eligible households from 26 kebeles. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by using structured interview administered questionnaires and focused group discussions respectively. Epi Info and SPSS software were used to enter and analyze the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables that affect the outcome variable. Statistical significance was declared at the p-value of < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval and strength of association was reported by Odds Ratio. The result was summarized and presented by the text, tables, and graphs. Result: The study revealed that out of the study participants 336(55.1%) with 95%CI (51.3%-59%) were involved in family planning service utilization. Being nearest to the health facility (AOR=1.70, 95%CI=1.14-2.45) and being in the age category (20-30), (AOR=4.87, 95%CI=4.17-6.79) were positively associated while husbands whose income was <928 (AOR=0.46, 95%CI=0.30-0.57) and having no formal education were negatively associated with husband involvement in family planning service utilization. Conclusion: Low involvement of husbands in family planning service utilization was reported. Future Family Planning programs should incorporate infrastructure associated with health facilities, accessibility, and Comprehensive health education initiatives to increase the level of awareness relevant to family planning and it is imperative to improve the husband’s level of income to increase their involvement.