Factors influencing men’s preventive reproductive health behaviours in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the knowledge, practice and associated factors influencing preventive reproductive health among male civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 ministries of Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan. A total of 272 male civil servants in service were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, which contained a 11–point knowledge scale and 5–point practice scale, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The mean age was 38.0 years ± 9.4. The respondents’ knowledge was poor (2.3 ± 1.9) resulting in inadequate preventive reproductive health behaviour practices (2.9 ± 1.4). Identified factors influencing preventive reproductive health behaviour include lack of adequate knowledge of reproductive health services (77.6%), religion/faith (76.5%), lack of trust in healthcare professionals (73.9%), influence of partner (64.7%), and attitude of health workers (69.5%). The male civil servants in the study did not exhibit preventive reproductive health behaviour, which could be due to inadequate knowledge. Hence, it is essential to increase knowledge among the male workers using workplace health promotion and education strategies.