Abstract:

This study assessed the knowledge and utilization of contraceptives as well as possible factors impeding its utilization among sexually active men in Ojuelegba Lagos, Nigeria. More than half of the men (63.1 % )had a good knowledge of contraceptives. Overall attitude showed that only few (41.5% ) had positive attitude towards the use of contraceptives, while 58.5% had negative attitude. The overall practice of contraception was 26.7%. Barriers to contraceptive utilization include; cost of buying contraceptives (21.7% ), it causes pregnancy delay (11.5% ), not easy to use. (12.9% ), conflicts with religious belief (21.2% ), family misconception (10.6% ), search for a male child (5.1 % ), wanted more babies (24.4% ), weight gain (5.5% ), permanent damage in the womb(1.8% ), don’t just like the idea (2.3% )and being unaware of contraceptives (0.5% ).

The various contraceptive methods used by the respondents include; hormonal methods (pills, implant, inject able)(11.5% ), non-hormonal methods (24% ), sterilization method (8.3% ), traditional methods(22.1 % ), condoms (30.4% ), while the remaining 13.4% mistook abortion as a family planning method.

This study showed some associated variables that influenced knowledge and practices of contraception while utilization rate was found to be very poor. A fairly good knowledge was seen, respondents’ attitude was below average, while the practices of contraception was very poor. Political will and support should be made available to ensure mass enlightenment and adequate availability of various contraceptive methods in order to encourage attitudinal change towards family planning and contraceptive utilization.

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