CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The family planning method that involving the incision, occlusion or excision of a portion of the vas deferens is known as Vasectomy. It is a permanent method of contraception and is also known as male sterilization (Benett and Stein, 2014).
Vasectomy is unique among the array of modern contraception as it enables the male partner to take primary responsibility for fertility control. Besides its availability broadens the choice of methods for family planning users and contributes to promoting male involvement in family planning as (Ross & Frankenberg, 2013). Male’s attitudes are often blamed for the underutilization of this method. Frequently cited examples of attitudes which discourage the use of vasectomy include men’s lack of interest in or responsibility for reducing pregnancies, the association with castration, and fear of procedure (Muhondwa & Rutenberg, 2015).
Despite being a safe, simple and effective family planning method for men who want a permanent solution to their contraceptive needs, low awareness and attitudes towards vasectomy still surround its use, deterring men from considering the procedure. It is less expensive and equally as effective as female sterilization; however, vasectomies are one of the least used and known methods of contraception throughout the world (Karamat, Zarel & Arabi 2015).
Recent research in developing countries has revealed that men can play an important role in deciding whether or not women use family planning method. Although vasectomy is an important alternative to female sterilization for couples who want a permanent method of contraception, barriers to its wider use exist in many places (Landry & Ward 2014).
Adewale, Umoh, Iwere and Gbadegesin, (2015) opined that attitude and practice towards modern family planning have attracted much attention in recent times. This is due to increase in unwanted or unplanned pregnancies, induced or criminal abortion, maternal mortality, sexually transmitted diseases, human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevalence among women of child-bearing age.
Therefore, the study focuses on the factors militating against the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning by male married lecturers in Babcock University Ilishan Remo Ogun state.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Vasectomy is an absolute contraceptive model for men,that want to control the effectiveness of the sperm on the ovaries of the female gender. It is a permanent method of contraception and is also known as male sterilization (Bruce, Guest, Searing, Frajzyngieri,Riwa,Kannama,Achwal, 2016)
It is a general knowledge that for quite some time in Nigeria family planning has targeted women probably because of the need to free them from excessive childbearing, reduce maternal and infant mortality (Toure, 2011) and curb population growth. Yet the population growth rate is still an issue that needs public attention.
Even though Vasectomy is less expensive, safer, simpler than and as effective as Tubal ligation (female sterilization), it still remains one the least used and least known methods of contraception across the globe (Jacobstein and John, as cited by Getachew, Tatek, and Teresa, 2014). The surgical procedures for female sterilization is known to be five times as many as that of vasectomy for men. According to Bunce et al, (2007), the prevalence of vasectomy is very low and hardly exceeds 0.1% and has remained relatively stable throughout the past decade.
There are so many factors militating against the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning by married men. Some of these factors are Lack of information, misunderstandings and rumors about the vasectomy process, this contribute too many married men reluctance to choose vasectomy (Getachew, Tatek, and Teresa, 2014). Vasectomy clients and their wives frequently recounted that prior to undergoing the procedure, they had been concerned by rumors of decreased sexual desire or performance. Some had heard that this side effect is instantaneous, others that it happens slowly over time. Additional rumors included equating vasectomy with castration, believing it causes cancer, believing that sperm will accumulate in the body and have negative effects, and fears that vasectomy causes weight gain and physical weakness (Getachew, Tatek, and Teresa, 2014).
Another factor is future uncertainty, uncertainty about the future and about the ultimate effect the vasectomy will have on familial interactions was repeatedly mentioned as a barrier to vasectomy uptake. According to a study carried out by Abulie, Getu, and Mezgebu, (2012), respondents worried that a man might regret being permanently sterilized if all of his living children died or if his current wife died and he could not remarry because he could not father any children.
Other factors include Provider Availability and Reputation, Religion and Spousal Influence. These problems necessitate the need to carry out a study on the factors militating against the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning among male married lecturers in Babcock University Ilishan Remo Ogun state.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
. The specific objectives include the following:
1. To determine the knowledge level of male married lecturers in Babcock University on vasectomy as a family planning method.
2. To ascertain the demographic factors against the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning among male married lecturers in Babcock University.
3. To determine the influence of religion on the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning among male married lecturers in Babcock University.
4. To find out the impact of culture on the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning among male married lecturers in Babcock University.
1.4 Research Questions
The research question include the following;
1 What is the knowledge level of married men on vasectomy as a family planning method?
2. What are the demographic factors against vasectomy as a method of family planning?
3. What is the role of religion in on the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning?
4. What is the impact of culture on the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
H0 – There is no significant impact of culture in militating against the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning.
H1 – There is a significant impact of culture on the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study will be relevant to married men, healthcare centers, government and researchers on deposition on the acceptance, knowledge and attitude towards vasectomy as family planning tool.
To married women and men, the findings in this study will influence their knowledge on the context of vasectomy as a method of family planning. The study will also correct the wrong impression and knowledge of men on the practice of vasectomy. Most men have a wrong impression about vasectomy and this has influenced their attitude and acceptance towards it. This study will also educate men who are no longer interested in child bearing on the importance of vasectomy as a method of family planning.
To healthcare centers, the findings in this study will elucidate the responsibility of the health care practitioners on their roles in educating married people on the importance of vasectomy as a method of family planning. The need to organize seminars and adequate publicity on how effective vasectomy is.
To government, this study will succinctly address the need to the government to establish a policy that make the practice of vasectomy less expensive. Most families are not financially capable of paying for vasectomy and this has affected their attitude and concept of vasectomy as a method of family planning.
To researchers, this study will enhance the existing body of literature by contemplating the areas of the literature that have not yet been examined or considered and applying these factors into the current study. The study will thus form the basis for further studies in the field.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is restricted to the factors militating against the acceptance of vasectomy as a method of family planning among male married lecturers in Babcock University Ilishan Remo Ogun state. A questionnaire was use for the purpose of this study and the sample population are married men in Babcock University Ilishan Remo Ogun state. The researchers restrict this study to the married men in Babcock University Ilishan Remo Ogun state because to the limited resources available and the time constraints.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
Some of the major constraints the researchers encountered in putting up this research include lack of time, lack of willingness to give information by respondent and also limited resources.
1.9 Operational of Terms
Vasectomy: is a surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception.
Family planning: is the practice of controlling the number of children one has and the intervals between their births, particularly by means of contraception or voluntary sterilization.
Married Men: They are men whom the family method is acted upon and they have wives.