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AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF VASECTOMY AS A MEANS OF FAMILY PLANNING AMONG ADULT MALES IN UBEJI COMMUNITY WARRI DELTA STATE
Abstract
This study examined the awareness and acceptance of vasectomy as a family planning method among adult males in the Ubeji community, employing a quantitative survey research design. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from a sample of 120 respondents selected through simple random sampling. The survey instrument encompassed questions pertaining to respondents’ awareness of vasectomy, factors influencing acceptance, perceptions, and attitudes towards the procedure. Data analysis involved the use of t-tests to test the hypotheses formulated. The findings of the study revealed significant insights into vasectomy awareness and acceptance among adult males in the Ubeji community. Specifically, the results indicated a moderate level of awareness of vasectomy as a family planning method, with a notable proportion of respondents expressing uncertainty or disagreement regarding the procedure’s reliability and effectiveness. Additionally, socio-cultural beliefs and norms were identified as influential factors affecting the acceptance of vasectomy, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in promoting acceptance within the community. In conclusion, this study underscored the need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing vaseareness and acceptance among adult males in the Ubeji community. Recommendations included community education initiatives, healthcare provider training, and tailored outreach strategies to address misconceptions and cultural barriers. Furthermore, the study emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact of interventions and inform ongoing efforts to improve reproductive health outcomes. By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders could work towards promoting informed decision-making and empowering individuals to make choices that aligned with their reproductive preferences and goals.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Family planning plays a crucial role in public health and social development, empowering individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive choices (Kantorová et al., 2020). It enables them to determine the number, timing, and spacing of their children, contributing to improved maternal and child health outcomes (Nasrullah et al., 2021). However, in communities like Ubeji in the Warri South Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Delta State, Nigeria, there exists a notable lack of awareness and acceptance of vasectomy as a viable family planning method among adult males (Agofure & Okandeji-Barry, 2018). Vasectomy, characterized by the surgical interruption of the vas deferens, serves as a permanent contraceptive option for men by preventing the release of sperm during ejaculation (White et al., 2020).
Despite being highly effective, vasectomy remains underutilized globally, facing various socio-cultural, economic, and psychological barriers to its acceptance (Hardee et al., 2023). Cultural norms and beliefs surrounding masculinity and fertility often influence men’s reluctance to consider vasectomy as a family planning option (Dayanand, 2022). Economic factors, such as limited access to healthcare services and concerns about lost wages due to recovery time after the procedure, further contribute to the low uptake of vasectomy (Temach et al., 2021). Additionally, misinformation and misconceptions about the procedure’s safety and reversibility can deter men from considering vasectomy as a viable option for contraception (Nesro et al., 2020).
Understanding the factors influencing awareness and acceptance of vasectomy in communities like Ubeji is essential for developing targeted interventions to promote its uptake and improve family planning outcomes (Bhattarai & Joshi, 2021). Tailored educational campaigns and outreach programs can help dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding vasectomy, thereby increasing awareness and acceptance among adult males (Christiana et al., 2022). Engaging community leaders and healthcare providers in promoting vasectomy as a safe and effective family planning method can also help address cultural and religious concerns (Otovwe & Okandeji-Barry, 2018).
Moreover, integrating vasectomy services into existing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring affordability and accessibility can facilitate its uptake among men in communities like Ubeji (Ayele et al., 2020). Providing comprehensive counseling and support services before and after the procedure can address men’s concerns and enhance their confidence in choosing vasectomy as a contraceptive option (Ebeigbe et al., 2021). Collaborating with local stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, can also help create a supportive environment for vasectomy acceptance and uptake (Sarkar, 2022).
In essence, addressing the low awareness and acceptance of vasectomy as a family planning method among adult males in communities like Ubeji requires a multifaceted approach that considers socio-cultural, economic, and psychological factors. By implementing targeted interventions, including education campaigns, healthcare integration, and community engagement, it is possible to promote vasectomy uptake and improve family planning outcomes in such settings (Dayanand, 2022). Empowering men with accurate information and ensuring access to quality vasectomy services are critical steps towards achieving reproductive autonomy and improving overall reproductive health in communities like Ubeji (Lamberts et al., 2022).
1.2 Statement of Problem
The awareness and acceptance of vasectomy as a family planning method among adult males in communities like Ubeji in the Warri South Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Delta State, Nigeria, remain significantly low (Agofure & Okandeji-Barry, 2018). Despite its efficacy and benefits, vasectomy continues to be underutilized, posing challenges to effective family planning and reproductive health initiatives in the region (White et al., 2020). The lack of awareness and acceptance of vasectomy among adult males in Ubeji community is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed to enhance family planning outcomes and promote gender equality (Temach et al., 2021).
One of the key problems is the persistence of socio-cultural barriers and misconceptions surrounding vasectomy (Hardee et al., 2023). Cultural norms and beliefs often equate masculinity with fertility, leading to resistance towards vasectomy as a contraceptive option (Dayanand, 2022). Additionally, prevalent myths about the irreversibility and safety of vasectomy deter men from considering it as a viable family planning method (Nesro et al., 2020). Addressing these misconceptions and cultural barriers is essential to increase awareness and acceptance of vasectomy among adult males in Ubeji community.
Furthermore, economic factors contribute to the low uptake of vasectomy in the region (Bhattarai & Joshi, 2021). Limited access to healthcare services, concerns about affordability, and fears of lost wages due to recovery time post-procedure hinder men from opting for vasectomy (Ebeigbe et al., 2021). The lack of integration of vasectomy services into existing healthcare infrastructure exacerbates these challenges, further limiting access to this contraceptive option (Ayele et al., 2020). Bridging the gap in access to affordable and accessible vasectomy services is crucial to address this problem and promote its acceptance among adult males in Ubeji community.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of awareness of vasectomy as a family planning method among adult males in Ubeji community.
- To examine the factors influencing the acceptance of vasectomy among adult males in Ubeji community.
- To explore the perceptions and attitudes of adult males towards vasectomy as a family planning method in Ubeji community.
1.4 Research Questions
- What is the level of awareness of vasectomy as a family planning method among adult males in Ubeji community?
- What are the factors influencing the acceptance of vasectomy among adult males in Ubeji community?
- What are the perceptions and attitudes of adult males towards vasectomy as a family planning method in Ubeji community?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
- There is no significant association between education level and awareness of vasectomy among adult males in Ubeji community.
- Socio-cultural beliefs and norms significantly influence the acceptance of vasectomy among adult males in Ubeji community.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study aims to make a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge concerning family planning practices, focusing particularly on the awareness and acceptance of vasectomy among adult males within rural Nigerian communities. By delving into the intricacies of vasectomy uptake in regions like Ubeji in the Warri South Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Delta State, Nigeria, this research endeavors to shed light on the underlying factors influencing its adoption or lack thereof. Through comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, this study seeks to provide valuable insights that can inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders alike.
The findings of this research endeavor are anticipated to offer valuable guidance to policymakers tasked with designing and implementing effective family planning strategies. By elucidating the factors influencing vasectomy uptake, policymakers will be equipped with evidence-based insights to tailor interventions that address specific challenges faced by adult males in rural Nigerian communities like Ubeji. Such targeted interventions hold the potential to bridge existing gaps in vasectomy awareness and acceptance, thereby contributing to improved reproductive health outcomes and overall well-being.
Healthcare providers stand to benefit significantly from the outcomes of this study as well. By gaining a deeper understanding of the barriers and facilitators to vasectomy uptake, healthcare professionals can adapt their counseling approaches and service delivery models to better meet the needs of their male clientele. This may involve incorporating culturally sensitive messaging, dispelling common misconceptions surrounding vasectomy, and ensuring that accurate information about the procedure is readily accessible to all individuals seeking family planning services.
Community stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders, also have a critical role to play in promoting vasectomy acceptance within rural Nigerian communities. By engaging with the findings of this study, community leaders can initiate dialogues aimed at challenging prevailing cultural norms and beliefs that may hinder vasectomy uptake. Moreover, community-based initiatives can be developed to increase awareness about vasectomy, foster supportive environments, and encourage open discussions about family planning choices.
Addressing the barriers to vasectomy uptake identified through this research—such as misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and limited access to information—holds the potential to yield a multitude of benefits for individuals and families in Ubeji community and beyond. By promoting vasectomy as a viable family planning option, this study seeks to empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health, ultimately leading to a reduction in unplanned pregnancies and associated health risks. Moreover, improved access to vasectomy services can contribute to the overall socio-economic development of rural Nigerian communities by promoting gender equality, enhancing maternal and child health outcomes, and fostering sustainable population growth.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on adult males aged 18 and above residing in Ubeji community, Warri South L.G.A, Delta State, Nigeria. The research will assess their awareness of vasectomy as a family planning method, factors influencing acceptance, and perceptions towards the procedure. The study will employ both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather data from a representative sample of adult males in the community.