Knowledge, attitudes and practices of rural men towards the use of contraceptives in Ga-Sekororo, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine men’s attitude and knowledge of contraceptives and to identify their willingness to share responsibility for contraception with their partners. The setting was a rural community in South Africa with access to contraceptives. The study was qualitative, using focus group discussions with adult men as participants. Findings showed that men were aware of both modern and indigenous contraceptive methods but had a negative attitude towards the use of modern methods. Some participants indicated a preference for indigenous methods which they regarded as natural over modern methods which involved the use of pharmaceutical substances. Some participants were found to be unwilling to share responsibilities for contraception with their partners although a few showed a willingness to involve them in the decisions. The findings point out challenges and opportunities facing reproductive health services providers in involving men as equal partners in reproductive health matters.