Abstract:
Worldwide, unintended pregnancies remain a critical public health challenge, with 74
million women in low- and middle-income countries getting these pregnancies yearly.
The African continent alone contributes about 25% of all unintended pregnancies
globally (Bain, Zweekhorst, & Buning 2020). Even though not all unintended
pregnancies are unwanted, they can lead to many health problems for mothers and
children, like malnutrition, sickness, neglect, or abuse, as well as maternal and infant
morbidities and mortalities. Globally, many women die due to complications related to
childbirth, either during or after pregnancy. Contraceptives, especially for long-acting
reversible methods (LARCs), are among the best interventions to reduce maternal
death. LARCs help the mother delay pregnancy and allow for longer intervals in
childbirth spacing. However, utilising LARCs globally and in Uganda remains low
because of limited male partner support.
The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to elicit an
understanding of the perceptions and beliefs of rural indigenous Ugandan men
towards the use of LARCs by rural women. Ultimately the study designed strategies
to enhance the uptake of those methods. Purposive sampling was used to identify 65
participants for focus group interviews and 30 for individual interviews comprising
married men aged 20 to 49 years. The study was conducted in the Rubanda and
Kiboga districts of Uganda. The researcher used semi-structured questions for
individual and focus group interviews.
The data analysis was done by transcribing the interviews, sorting the field notes,
organising, and storing the data, listening to recordings, reading field notes and
interviews and then coding and categorising the data to build themes emerging on the
phenomenon.
The study established negative perceptions and belief systems among rural
indigenous Ugandan men regarding the use of LARCs by their rural women, and these
acted as barriers to utilisation. These perceptions included side effects, fears, desires,
and cultural and religious beliefs. The study recommends strengthening social,
behavioural change communication, strengthening service provision for LARCs and
monitoring and evaluation systems for LARCs. Additionally, policymakers should provide a conducive environment for LARCs services provision, and the Ministry of
Education and Sports, through health training institutions and universities, should
prepare pre-service and in-service healthcare workers to provide LARC services.
