Contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practices of men in rural Maharashtra

Since men are the dominant decision makers in India, it is prudent to disco ver the knowledge, perception, attitudes and contraceptive practices of men to improve their involvement in the reproductive health needs of families. Three thousand and seventy-two married men from a tribal Primary Health Ce ntre (PHC) area in Thane district of Maharashtra State, India were surveyed with special emphasis on investigating the reasons for not accepting male methods. The majority of them not only had no concept of family spacing, bu t had not even taken any initiative to improve their knowledge or acceptanc e of condom/vasectomy. Men who were aware of contraceptive methods had litt le knowledge of their correct use. Of the men, 53.7% had positive views abo ut their role in family planning while 66.2% of men stressed the need to im prove the acceptance of male methods by providing knowledge and information through sources such as radio, television, door-to-door campaigning and in terpersonal communications. Thirty per cent emphasized the need to improve the availability and quality of services. This study indicates a pressing n eed for effective intervention strategies, both at the community and the cl inic level, backed with efficient counselling, motivation and provision of services in rural and remote areas.