Factors Influencing Uptake of Vasectomy Among Men in Mbuya II Parish, Nakawa.

Abstract

Introduction: Over the past few years in Uganda, Vasectomy among other modern family planning methods has attracted huge publicity in an effort to draw men’s participation in contraception. Despite the continued efforts, there is a lag evident by a low uptake of vasectomy, consequently the research. Objective: The main aim of the study was to determine factors influencing uptake of vasectomy among men in Mbuya II parish, Nakawa division. Methodology: Questionnaires and focus group discussions were the primary data collection tools. A pretested questionnaire was used for a sample size of 384 men aged 15-64 years randomly selected and 12 focus group discussions were carried out. Results: Men who had attained at least secondary education would opt for vasectomy but not the case among the elderly. Furthermore, majority of the respondents had knowledge on vasectomy; 80% of the men knew that vasectomy is permanent, 70% knew that it is irreversible and 53% knew it does not prevent against STIs and HIV/AIDS. Men had negative attitudes towards vasectomy that is regarded as castration, leads to impotence and a risk factor of cancer. Conclusion: According to the results, most men had good knowledge about vasectomy despite their poor attitudes. Therefore, sensitization needs to be done so that the elderly could uptake vasectomy. Additionally, there is a need for more information, communication and education for men about vasectomy to change their attitudes about it.