The role of men in family planning decision-making in rural and urban Nigeria.

Objectives: To determine the role of men in family planning decision-making in both rural and urban areas of Nigeria.

Methods: A total number of 370 married men (244 rural and 126 urban) were interviewed using a pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer based questionnaire. The study was conducted in the Iwaro community in Atakumosa West Local Government area (rural men) and the Oranfe Community in Ife East Local government area (urban men), both in Osun State, South West Nigeria.

Results: The results showed a high level of awareness of family planning among both study groups (98.3% rural and 98.4% urban). Most men in both groups believe that a decision about family planning should be made jointly by the spouses instead of being the prerogative of either. This contrasts with the generally held belief that men are opposed to family planning and a take predominant role in contraceptive decision-making. The condom was the most commonly known and used method with a preponderance among urban (81.1%) over rural men (69.4%). Many men would use family planning if their wives demanded it. However, most respondents in both study groups believed that men should not accompany their wives to the family planning centre to obtain contraceptive supplies and advice.

Conclusion: Deciding about contraception should be done jointly by men and women in South West Nigeria.