Volume 11, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Caspian J Reprod Med 2025, 11(2): 39-49 |
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Dagar H, Singh M, Saini S, Yadav H. Educational drivers of shared contraceptive decision-making: Male involvement in family planning among rural couples in Haryana, India. Caspian J Reprod Med 2025; 11 (2) :39-49
URL: http://caspjrm.ir/article-1-285-en.html
URL: http://caspjrm.ir/article-1-285-en.html
Emergency Medicine, ESIC Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India , shipraasaini81@gmail.com
Abstract: (8 Views)
Background: Despite India's progress in family planning, male involvement remains limited in patriarchal rural settings, where gendered norms perpetuate female-centric contraception and low vasectomy uptake. This study addresses a critical research gap by examining male roles in contraceptive decision-making in rural Haryana, a region with high son preference and educational disparities. Novelty lies in quantifying shared decision-making and its sociodemographic correlates, highlighting male education's transformative potential to foster equity and inform male-focused interventions, significant for advancing reproductive health autonomy and sustainable population policies.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study (October 2023–March 2024) surveyed 123 randomly selected eligible couples (wives aged 15–49) in Village Pali, Faridabad district. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and decision-making patterns. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7, with descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square, Mantel-Haenszel, t-tests; p≤0.05).
Results: Contraceptive usage prevalence was 73.2%, led by male condoms (44.7%) and female sterilization (25.2%), with vasectomy at 2.4%. Shared decision-making prevailed (84.6%; 95% CI: 77.4–90.1), but family members influenced 22–41.5% of choices. Husband's education significantly predicted shared decisions (p=0.004), rising from 73.5% (illiterate) to 100% (graduates); wife's education showed borderline association (p=0.05). Son preference was higher among husbands (40.7% vs. 26.8% wives).
Conclusion: This study reveals evolving shared decision-making amid persistent inequities, underscoring male education as a lever for equitable family planning. Targeted strategies engaging men could reduce gendered burdens, enhance uptake of male methods, and support women's autonomy in rural India.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study (October 2023–March 2024) surveyed 123 randomly selected eligible couples (wives aged 15–49) in Village Pali, Faridabad district. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and decision-making patterns. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7, with descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square, Mantel-Haenszel, t-tests; p≤0.05).
Results: Contraceptive usage prevalence was 73.2%, led by male condoms (44.7%) and female sterilization (25.2%), with vasectomy at 2.4%. Shared decision-making prevailed (84.6%; 95% CI: 77.4–90.1), but family members influenced 22–41.5% of choices. Husband's education significantly predicted shared decisions (p=0.004), rising from 73.5% (illiterate) to 100% (graduates); wife's education showed borderline association (p=0.05). Son preference was higher among husbands (40.7% vs. 26.8% wives).
Conclusion: This study reveals evolving shared decision-making amid persistent inequities, underscoring male education as a lever for equitable family planning. Targeted strategies engaging men could reduce gendered burdens, enhance uptake of male methods, and support women's autonomy in rural India.
Keywords: Family Planning, Haryana, Male Involvement, Modern Contraception, Rural India, Shared Decision-Making
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Reproductive Health
Received: 2026/11/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/23 | Published: 2025/12/27
Received: 2026/11/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/23 | Published: 2025/12/27
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