Men's motivation for contraceptive use in Inanda township, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Men's involvement in sexual and reproductive health is under-researched in South Africa despite evidence to suggest that men are key decision-makers in various household matters. Against this background, this study aimed to explore men's perspectives on contraceptive use in a South African...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Culture, health & sexuality health & sexuality, 2019-08, Vol.21 (8), p.957-967
Main Authors: Blessing Ngcobo, Nkosinathi, Maharaj, Pranitha, Nzima, Divane
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Birth control
Condoms
Contraceptives
Decision makers
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
Men
Motivation
Pregnancy
Reproductive health
Risk perception
Sexual behavior
Unplanned pregnancy
Uptake
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Summary:Men's involvement in sexual and reproductive health is under-researched in South Africa despite evidence to suggest that men are key decision-makers in various household matters. Against this background, this study aimed to explore men's perspectives on contraceptive use in a South African township with a focus on motivations for contraception use and the challenges men face in using contraceptives. In-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 20 men. Findings suggest that awareness of contraception among men is high and attitudes towards contraceptives are generally favourable. Contraceptive use is strongly influenced by the perceived risk of unplanned pregnancy and HIV infection. Condoms are the most commonly known and used method of contraception by men. Men complained that there are limited contraceptive options for them and consistent condom use remains difficult. To increase the uptake and use of contraceptives, sexual and reproductive programmes should fully include men in design and delivery. In the longer term, investment in the development of a wider range of contraceptive methods will increase options for men.
ISSN:1369-1058
1464-5351
DOI:10.1080/13691058.2018.1521992