AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF VASECTOMY AS A MEANS OF FAMILY PLANNING AMONG ADULT MALES IN UBEJI COMMUNITY, WARRI, DELTA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the awareness and acceptance of vasectomy as a family planning method among adult males in the Ubeji community. It adopted a quantitative survey research design. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from a sample of 120 respondents selected via simple random sampling. The survey instrument included items on respondents’ awareness of vasectomy, factors affecting its acceptance, as well as their perceptions and attitudes toward the procedure. Data were analyzed using t-tests to evaluate the formulated hypotheses. The findings provided important insights into vasectomy awareness and

acceptance levels among adult males in Ubeji community. Results showed a moderate level of awareness of vasectomy as a family planning method. However, a considerable proportion of respondents expressed uncertainty or disagreement about the procedure’s reliability and effectiveness. Socio-cultural beliefs and norms emerged as key factors influencing acceptance, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive strategies to promote uptake in the community. In conclusion, the study highlighted the necessity for focused

interventions to improve awareness and acceptance of vasectomy among adult males in Ubeji community. Recommendations included community education programs, training for healthcare providers, and customized outreach efforts to tackle misconceptions and cultural barriers. The study also stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation to measure the effectiveness of interventions and guide future actions aimed at enhancing reproductive health outcomes. Implementing these recommendations would enable stakeholders to foster informed decision-making and support individuals in making reproductive choices that match their preferences and goals.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Family planning is vital to public health and social development. It empowers individuals and couples to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive lives (Kantorová et al., 2020). Through family planning, people can decide on the number, timing, and spacing of their children, which leads to better maternal and child health results (Nasrullah et al., 2021).

Nevertheless, in communities such as Ubeji in Warri South Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Delta State, Nigeria, there is a significant gap in awareness and acceptance of vasectomy as a practical family planning method among adult males (Agofure & Okandeji-Barry, 2018). Vasectomy involves the surgical interruption of the vas deferens and serves as a permanent contraceptive method for men by stopping the release of sperm during ejaculation (White et al., 2020).

Although highly effective, vasectomy continues to be underused worldwide due to various socio-cultural, economic, and psychological obstacles to its acceptance (Hardee et al., 2023). Cultural norms and beliefs related to masculinity and fertility frequently discourage men from considering vasectomy (Dayanand, 2022). Economic issues, including restricted access to healthcare and worries about income loss during recovery, also reduce its adoption (Temach et al., 2021). Furthermore, misinformation and misconceptions about the procedure’s safety and potential reversibility discourage many men (Nesro et al., 2020).

Gaining insight into the factors that shape awareness and acceptance of vasectomy in places like Ubeji is critical for creating targeted interventions that can boost its use and enhance family planning results (Bhattarai & Joshi, 2021). Customized educational campaigns and outreach initiatives can correct myths and increase awareness and acceptance among adult males (Christiana et al., 2022). Involving community leaders and healthcare providers in advocating vasectomy as a safe and effective option can help overcome cultural and religious concerns (Otovwe & Okandeji-Barry, 2018).

Additionally, incorporating vasectomy services into current healthcare systems while ensuring affordability and accessibility can encourage greater uptake among men in communities such as Ubeji (Ayele et al., 2020). Comprehensive pre- and post-procedure counseling and support can alleviate concerns and build confidence in choosing vasectomy (Ebeigbe et al., 2021). Partnerships with local stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, can foster a more supportive atmosphere for acceptance (Sarkar, 2022).

Overall, tackling the low awareness and acceptance of vasectomy among adult males in communities like Ubeji demands a comprehensive strategy that accounts for socio-cultural, economic, and psychological influences. Through targeted interventions such as education campaigns, healthcare system integration, and community involvement, it is feasible to increase vasectomy uptake and strengthen family planning outcomes in these areas (Dayanand, 2022). Equipping men with accurate information and guaranteeing access to high-quality vasectomy services are essential for advancing reproductive autonomy and improving reproductive health in communities like Ubeji (Lamberts et al., 2022).

1.2 Statement of Problem

Awareness and acceptance of vasectomy as a family planning method among adult males in communities such as Ubeji in Warri South Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Delta State, Nigeria, continue to be considerably low (Agofure & Okandeji-Barry, 2018). Despite its proven effectiveness and advantages, vasectomy remains underutilized, creating obstacles to successful family planning and reproductive health programs in the area (White et al., 2020). This low awareness and acceptance in Ubeji community represents a critical challenge that must be resolved to improve family planning results and advance gender equality (Temach et al., 2021).

A major issue is the continued presence of socio-cultural barriers and misconceptions about vasectomy (Hardee et al., 2023). Cultural norms frequently link masculinity to fertility, resulting in opposition to vasectomy (Dayanand, 2022). Common myths regarding its irreversibility and safety further discourage men from adopting it (Nesro et al., 2020). Overcoming these misconceptions and cultural hurdles is necessary to raise awareness and acceptance in Ubeji.

Economic factors also play a role in the limited uptake of vasectomy in the region (Bhattarai & Joshi, 2021). Restricted healthcare access, affordability concerns, and fears of lost earnings during recovery prevent many men from choosing the procedure (Ebeigbe et al., 2021). The insufficient integration of vasectomy services into existing healthcare systems worsens these problems (Ayele et al., 2020). Closing the gap in affordable and accessible vasectomy services is vital to resolving this issue and encouraging acceptance among adult males in Ubeji community.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To assess the level of awareness of vasectomy as a family planning method among adult males in Ubeji community.

2. To examine the factors influencing the acceptance of vasectomy among adult males in Ubeji community.

3. To explore the perceptions and attitudes of adult males towards vasectomy as a family planning method in Ubeji community.

1.4 Research Questions