Evaluation of Knowledge and Attitude to Uptake of Vasectomy among Male Health Care Workers in a Tertiary Health Facility: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Vasectomy is a safe and effective permanent male contraceptive, although its acceptance remains low in low-income countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, between 1st July and 31st August 2020. Participants were 247 consenting male health care workers recruited using systematic sampling based on their profession. Data collection was through a self-administered questionnaire, and analysis was performed using IBM-SSPS Version 23.0; p-value<0.05 was significant. The modal age group was 31-39 years (61.1%), 96.8% had tertiary education, 63.2% were Doctors, 21.5% were Laboratory Scientists, 12.1% Pharmacists, 1.6% Nurses, and 1.6% Physiotherapists; 68.0% had two or more children. Awareness about vasectomy was 93.5%, the commonest source of information was the health facility (55.3%), 76.5% supports the role of men in family planning while 84.0% were willing to share family planning responsibility with their partners 16.6% intend to undergo vasectomy on completion of their family size. The identified hindrances to the uptake of vasectomy were fear that it may lead to sexual dysfunction (87.0%), fear of other side effects (70.3%), irreversibility of the procedure (37.0%), cultural factors (25.0%), and concerns about possible infidelity (20.9%). Knowledge about vasectomy was negatively associated with its uptake (p<0.001). This study reports aversion to vasectomy among male health workers despite adequate awareness and Knowledge due to concerns about possible side effects, including the irreversibility of the procedure. Therefore, while advocacy for vasectomy continues, researchers should expedite actions to make reversible male contraceptives readily available.