title: Men's Perspectives on Their Role in Family Planning in Nyanza Province, Kenya.
abstract: Research has indicated that gender dynamics-and in particular men's disapproval of family planning-have had an influence on the low levels of contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa. Limited evidence exists, however, on effective strategies to increase male approval. We conducted 12 focus group discussions with married men aged 20-66 (N = 106) in Kenya to explore FP perceptions. Men's disapproval of FP was associated with anxieties regarding male identity and gender roles. Men often distrusted FP information provided by their wives because they suspected infidelity or feared being viewed as "herded." Men also feared that providers might pressure them into vasectomies or into disclosing extramarital sexual activity or HIV diagnoses to their wives. Suggested strategies include programs targeting couples jointly and FP education for men provided by male outreach workers. To encourage men's acceptance, community-based programs directly targeting men are needed to reduce stigma and misconceptions and to increase awareness of the benefits of FP.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Institute for Global Health, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 North Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033. mwithers@usc.edu.
authors.forename: Mellissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Withers
authors.affiliation: Professor and Associate Dean, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Shari L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Dworkin
authors.affiliation: Research Officer, Beryl Oyier is Assistant Research Officer, and Elizabeth A. Bukusi is Deputy Director Research and Training, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute.
authors.forename: Maricianah
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Onono
authors.affiliation: Research Officer, Beryl Oyier is Assistant Research Officer, and Elizabeth A. Bukusi is Deputy Director Research and Training, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute.
authors.forename: Beryl
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Oyier
authors.affiliation: Professor and Sara J. Newmann is Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Craig R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.affiliation: Research Officer, Beryl Oyier is Assistant Research Officer, and Elizabeth A. Bukusi is Deputy Director Research and Training, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Bukusi
authors.affiliation: Professor and Sara J. Newmann is Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Sara J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Newmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003267:Contraception / Q000523:psychology*; D005193:Family Planning Services; D017144:Focus Groups; D005783:Gender Identity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult