Exploring the influence of men on their partner's use of contraceptives: A study of men in Umlazi, Durban, South Africa
Date
2023
Authors
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Abstract
Description
Master’s Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
Keywords
HIV/AIDS, Unwanted pregnancy, Adolescents and young women
Citation
DOI
South Africa has high levels of HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy, especially among adolescents and young women. Although there has been considerable achievement in delivering sexual and reproductive health services, specifically regarding contraception, challenges still inhibit contraception's practical use, particularly among women. Despite the increasing contraceptive prevalence, the attitudes and dominance of men are said to be among the many inhibiting factors that prevent women from accessing contraceptives. The overall purpose of this study is to shed insight into men’s influence on contraceptive use in their sexual relations. This will be achieved by looking into these three key objectives; to examine reasons for the use or non-use of contraception, explore strategies young men use to inhibit or facilitate contraceptive use among women, to describe the opportunities identified for changing behaviour among young men. This qualitative study was conducted in Umlazi, Durban, in the eThekwini District in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Data for this study was collected using structured, indepth interviews. In total, 15 interviews were conducted (n = 15). This study was purely qualitative and used individual in-depth interviews. For this study, data were analyzed through thematic analysis. There is a high stigma around the use of female contraception. Men have little knowledge of female contraception methods. Institutions such as churches, schools, and health facilities do not always actively promote the use of female contraceptives. It is, therefore, vital that we change the mainstream culture of contraceptives as women's responsibility and relook at the power relations between men and women. This study’s findings show that contraceptives have the potential to significantly improve women’s autonomy and wealth in Umlazi. Furthermore, it is clear from the reviews that the potential for effective use of contraceptives is continually threatened by factors such as stigma availability and, for the most part, negative male partner influence. Ensuring the availability of contraceptives for everyone remains crucial in ensuring women have power over their sexual health. But most importantly, to ensure the successful use the contraceptives is imperative to consider male involvement when developing interventions promoting the use of contraceptives. As such, we ought to create interventions to redress the gender gap. In schools, employment, and relationships, are accompanied by mutual participation and respect. The empowerment of women is indeed an essential factor for successful contraceptive usage.
https://doi.org/10.29086/10413/22734
https://doi.org/10.29086/10413/22734