title: Attitude of men in Nigeria to vasectomy.
abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the attitude of men in Nigeria towards vasectomy as a method of family planning. This was a cross-sectional study, using self-administered pre-tested questionnaires containing mainly close-ended questions. The questionnaires were given to 146 randomly selected men. The responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Ten (6.8%) may accept vasectomy with the knowledge they have while 130 (89.0%) will not. Eighty-eight (67.7%) believe sterilization procedures should be left for women only. Vasectomy was viewed as castration by 55 (40.7%). Forty-three (31.2%) may consider vasectomy if they understand that it is not associated with problems, 82 (59.4%) refused while 13 (9.4%) did not know if they would ever accept the procedure. There was a lack of knowledge of vasectomy and attitudes towards it were based on myths and misconceptions regarding the procedure; some may accept it if they understand the safety of it. Interestingly, level of education does not improve vasectomy uptake. A concerted effort to involve men in reproductive health is needed. Interpersonal communication and counseling will greatly improve vasectomy uptake in developing countries.
authors.affiliation: Sexual/Reproductive Health Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Hyginus Uzo
authors.initials: HU
authors.lastname: Ezegwui
authors.forename: Jamike Osondu
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Enwereji