THE INFLUENCE OF MALE PARTNER/SPOUSE INVOLVEMENT IN THE UPTAKE OF POSTPARTUM CONTRACEPTION IN KENYA

Vincent K Mukthar

Abstract


Background:  The use of postpartum contraception is gold standard in achieving fertility objectives through limitation of numbers of births and proper child spacing. The Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2008 established that about 50% of all non-first births in Kenya are spaced within 24 months apart exposing women and their infants to increased risk for poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the influence of male partner/spouse involvement in the uptake of postpartum contraception in Kenya..

Design:  Data from the nationwide and representative Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, conducted in 2014, were analyzed. The Demographic and Health Survey utilizes a two stage stratified sampling technique.

Findings:  This study establishes that the uptake of postpartum contraceptives in Kenya is at 55.2%. This study also finds that male partner/spouse involvement in reproductive health is essential in uptake of postpartum contraception. The male partner/spouse involvement in reproductive health attributes that are predictive of uptake of postpartum contraception are; inclusion/exclusion in decision-making (having a say) in postpartum contraception (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.58- 0.99), being consulted frequently (OR 4.63, 95% CI 3.18- 6.27), their approval/disapproval of postpartum contraceptives (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.22- 0.43) and male partner/spouse attendance of antenatal clinic (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.92- 1.61).

This study also deduces that the there are a couples of maternal characteristic that are significantly associated with the uptake of postpartum contraception  namely; education level, wealth status, age, location of residence, parity, antenatal attendance and place of delivery.

Conclusion/recommendation: This study concludes that the uptake of postpartum contraception in Kenya is less than optimum. This study also establishes that male partner/spouse involvement in reproductive health is essential in uptake of postpartum contraception.

This study recommends that programs should focus on health initiatives or interventions that are male-friendly and encourage male partners/spouses to get involved in reproductive health issues especially postpartum contraception


Keywords


Postpartum contraception, Male partner/spouse Involvement

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References


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