strategies to enhance indigenous men’s support for the utilisation of long-acting reversible contraceptives amongst rural women in uganda

Description

Globally, many women die due to factors related to childbirth either during pregnancy, childbirth or after birth. The causes of death are mainly due to complications that happen during the processes of birth. Contraceptive utilisation especially for the long-term reversible methods (LARCs) is one of the best interventions to reduce maternal death in that they help the mother to delay pregnancy and higher intervals of childbirth spacing. However, the utilisation of LARCs globally and in Uganda remains low due to several factors that include limited male partner support. The purpose of this Phenomenological qualitative research study was to have a deeper understanding of perceptions and beliefs of the rural indigenous Ugandan men towards the use of LARCs by rural women to develop strategies to enhance the uptake of those methods. Purposive sampling procedure was used to get the research study sample. The study population of 65 participants for focus group interviews and 30 for individual interviews who consist of married men aged 20 to 49 years. The study was be conducted in Rubanda district and Kiboga district of Uganda. The researcher used semi-structured questions for individual and focus group interviews. The data analysis was done by transcribing the interviews, sorting the field notes, organizing, and storing the data, listening to recordings, and reading the notes from the field interviews and then coded and categorised the data to build themes and then described the phenomenon. xvii The study found that there were perceptions and belief system among rural indigenous Ugandan men regarding the use of LARCs by their rural women, and these acted as barriers to low utilisation. These perceptions included those related to the side effects, fears, and desires. The belief systems included cultural and religious beliefs. The study recommended the strengthening of Social, Behavioural Change Communication, strengthening of service provision for LARCs and Monitoring and Evaluation systems for LARCs. Additionally, the policymakers should provide a conducive environment for LARCs services provision and the Ministry of Education and Sports, through Health training institutions and universities, should prepare pre-service and in-service healthcare workers to provide LARC services.