| dc.description.abstract | Background: Although Vasectomy is one of the safest, simplest, most cost-effective, and most efficacious contraceptive methods, it remains the least used method of contraceptives used worldwide (United Nations, 2008, Bureau PR, 2008) . Female sterilization is approximately twice as common as vasectomy in the developed world, 8 times more common in Asia, (Pile JM, 2009) . (Few studies in Uganda and none in Hoima have been conducted about vasectomy services accessibility.)
Broad objective: To determine the level of acceptability of vasectomy services and associated factors among males in Hoima district in September, 2012
Study site: The study was conducted in Hoima district which is located in mid-western Uganda.
Methodology: The study adopted quantitative and qualitative research approaches and a descriptive cross section design were used. Data was generated from sources like self-administered questionnaires and focus group discussions.
Data analysis: Quantitative data was entered in SPSS, transferred using stata to Epi-Info database software where it was analyzed from.
Results: Results from the study revealed that 17% of the respondents would accept vasectomy services. Men with more than 4 children (OR =3.5 CI = 1.52-8.09 P =0.003), affordability (OR =0.19, CI = 0.07-0.50, P = 0.001), health education on vasectomy (OR =0.22 CI = 0.09-0.54 P =0.001), and distance from health facility (OR =0.0.09 CI = 0.03-0.25 P =0.001), were significantly associated with level of vasectomy acceptability.
Conclusion: Eighty three percent of the respondents would not consider doing a vasectomy. Vasectomy is an extremely safe and effective method of contraception. It is incumbent upon the family planning community to maximize its availability and acceptance. Achieving this goal will require a focused and sustained effort which will be rewarded by more men obtaining the most effective method of permanent contraception and more women avoiding unnecessary surgical procedures.
Recommendations
Family planning provider need to conduct health education to all men about vasectomy as a safe and effective method of family planning. This should target both the educated and non educated people. It is important to understand techniques and complications and be able to effectively compare the sterilization methods available. Providers therefore should be able to identify barriers to vasectomy in order to advocate for and counsel patients appropriately regarding their reproductive options.
There is need to intensify education and sensitization campaigns regarding vasectomy and other contraceptive services through community based outreaches, community sensitization meetings, dialogues and radio talk shows. In regard to this, a friendly policy should be strengthened to promote family planning services among men including sensitization campaign | en_US |
