Gendered Construction Of Family Planning Practises In Kakamega County, Kenya: A Case Of Male Involvement

Abstract

Family planning has attracted attention all over the world due to its relevance in decision making, population growth and development. Despite this, family planning programmes by the state and other non-state actors have traditionally focused on women as the primary beneficiaries of family planning services and also due to their feminist nature, it makes them subservient hence high compliers of health issues family planning being among them yet men have been considered as the silent partners of family planning services. The purpose of this study was to investigate gendered construction of family planning practise in Kakamega County, Kenya a case of male involvement. The specific objectives were to; determine the level of men’s involvement and their participation in family planning practices as a development aspect, examine factors that influence men's participation in family planning practices as a development aspect and explore how family planning practice is socially constructed. This study adopted cross-sectional survey design using mixed methodology. The study targeted 17469 household heads in Likuyani, Malava and Lugari Sub-Counties. Sample size determination formula was used to obtain 376 respondents. Stratified, simple random, purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the participants. Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Instrument validity was done through expert judgement while reliability involved the use of test-retest method. Data obtained was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze quantitative data. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was employed to determine the relationship that exists between the independent variables and dependent variables. Qualitative data from interview schedules were transcribed, thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations. The study found that 10.1% of the inhabitants of Kakamega County who used family planning methods between 2013-2017 were men. Further, the study found a significant positive correlation between attitude and men’s participation in family planning (r = .276; p = .000), socio-cultural factors and men’s participation in family planning (r = .800; p = .000) but a negative correlation between masculinity and men’s participation in family planning (r = -.232;p = .000) and psychological factors and men’s participation in family planning in Kakamega County (r = -.286; p = .000). This shows that attitude, socio-cultural factors, masculinity and psychological factors affect men’s participation in family planning practices in Kakamega county. Similarly, the combined effect of attitude, men’s masculinity, psychological factors and socio-cultural factors accounted for 69.7% of men’s participation in family planning practices. In addition, gender norms which affected decision making among the inhabitants of Kakamega county hindered men’s participation in FP programs. The study recommended that in order to improve on the low participation of men in family planning, the county and the national government and other healthcare providers including non-governmental organizations need to put in place strategies that enhance men’s involvement in family planning. These strategies could include involving men in planning, communication and utilization of various family planning methods. This study may be of importance to couples in understanding the socio-economic determinants that hinder men in participating in family planning. In addition, by understanding the socio-cultural determinants of men’s involvement in family planning, the government and other healthcare partners in Kenya may use the findings in providing health education on family planning.