The association between contraceptive use and desired number of children among sexually active men in Zambia – BMC Public Health
The association between contraceptive use and desired number of ... BMC Public Health
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Association between Contraceptive Use and Desired Number of Children among Sexually Active Males in Zambia
Introduction
It is widely recognized that consistent and correct use of contraceptives by couples can help space and or limit the number of children. This report aims to examine the association between contraceptive use and the desired number of children among sexually active males aged 15–59 years in Zambia.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Methods
The study utilized data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted in Zambia. The sample consisted of sexually active males aged 15–59 years. The association between contraceptive use and desired number of children was analyzed using adjusted and unadjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs).
Results
Findings from the study showed that contraceptive use among sexually active males in Zambia is low, with only 50% reporting any contraceptive method use. This result differs from prior research conducted in Myanmar, where 39% of males were using modern contraception. The low contraceptive use among males in Zambia may be attributed to limited awareness-raising campaigns targeting men. These campaigns are crucial in addressing traditional family roles and promoting the use of contraceptives.
The study also found that the desired number of children was influenced by factors such as cultural values, age, residence, education, employment status, and religion. Younger males reported a lower desired number of children compared to older males. This may be due to a lack of concrete perception of desired family size among younger males. Additionally, males residing in rural areas had a higher desired number of children compared to those in urban areas, possibly due to cultural preferences and limited access to contraceptive services.
Furthermore, males with higher levels of education and those from wealthier households had a lower desired number of children. Education plays a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions about contraceptive use and enabling informed decision-making. Employment status also influenced the desired number of children, with employed males more likely to desire a larger family size. Religion was found to be a significant factor, with Protestants having a higher desired number of children compared to Catholics.
Media exposure did not show a significant difference in the preference for children between males with and without access to media. However, media plays a critical role in providing accurate information on fertility and contraception, and its utilization can contribute to reducing unintended pregnancies.
Discussion
The study highlights the need for increased awareness-raising campaigns targeting men to promote contraceptive use and address traditional family values. It also emphasizes the importance of education in influencing fertility preferences and dispelling misconceptions about contraception. Access to contraceptive services, particularly in rural areas, needs to be improved to meet the demand for family planning.
Study Limitations
- The study relied on retrospective data, which may be subject to recall bias.
- Estimates of contraceptive use may be underestimated or overestimated due to lack of awareness or partner involvement.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the need for targeted interventions to increase contraceptive use among sexually active males in Zambia. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and partnerships requires addressing barriers to contraceptive access and promoting informed decision-making regarding family size.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the association between contraceptive use and the desired number of children among sexually active males in Zambia. This is relevant to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It is also connected to SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Additionally, the article highlights the influence of cultural and socioeconomic factors on contraceptive use, indicating a connection to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
- Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
The article’s content aligns with Target 3.7, as it discusses the low use of contraceptive methods among sexually active males in Zambia and the need to increase awareness-raising campaigns and access to family planning services. It also relates to Target 5.6, as it explores the influence of cultural norms and gender dynamics on contraceptive use. Furthermore, it touches upon Target 10.2 by highlighting the disparities in contraceptive use based on factors such as education, wealth status, and employment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Contraceptive prevalence rate among sexually active males
- Percentage of sexually active males using modern contraception
- Percentage of sexually active males with access to family planning services
- Percentage of sexually active males with knowledge of contraceptive methods
- Percentage of sexually active males involved in decision-making regarding family size
- Percentage of sexually active males with access to media for information on fertility and contraception
- Percentage of sexually active males with positive attitudes towards contraception use
The article implies the need to measure indicators such as the contraceptive prevalence rate among sexually active males, the percentage of sexually active males using modern contraception, and the percentage of sexually active males with access to family planning services. It also suggests assessing the percentage of sexually active males with knowledge of contraceptive methods, involvement in decision-making regarding family size, access to media for information on fertility and contraception, and positive attitudes towards contraception use.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs. |
|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. |
|
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. |
|
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Source: bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com
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