The Influence of Attitude towards Men's Participation in Family Planning Practices in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Family planning has attracted attentions all over the world due to its relevance in decision making, population growth and development. Despite this, family planning programmes by the government and other non-state actors have traditionally focused on women as the primary beneficiaries of family planning and also due to their feminist nature.The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of attitude on men's participation in family planning practices in Kakamega county, Kenya. This study adopted cross-sectional survey design using mixed methodology. The study targeted 17469 household heads in Likuyani, Malava and Lugari sub-Counties. Krejcie and Morgan Sample size determination formula was used to obtain 376 respondents. Stratified, simple random, purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the participants. Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Instrument validity was done through expert judgement while reliability involved the use of test-retest method. Data obtained was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Frequencies, and percentages was used to analyze quantitative data. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was employed to determine relationship that exists between the independent variables and dependent variables. Qualitative data from interview schedules was transcribed, thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations. The study found out that there was a significant positive correlation between attitude and men's participation in family planning (r = .276^; p = .000). At 95% confidence level the r value for attitudes was .276 showing a weak correlation with men's involvement in family planning. This study may be of importance to couples in understanding the effect of attitude on men's involvement in family planning, the government and other healthcare partners in Kenya may use the findings in providing health education on family planning.