Knowledge, Perception, and Acceptability of Vasectomy among Adult Males at University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus

Abstract

Background: Vasectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure involving the severing of the vas deferens, effectively cutting off the supply of sperm to the semen so that the ejaculated semen is devoid of sperm cells. Howbeit, despite its high efficacy and minimal invasiveness, it remains underutilised in sub-Saharan Africa. Aim: This study assessed knowledge, perception, and acceptability of vasectomy among adult males at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey design was employed among 106 men attending St Mulumba Chaplaincy and Chapel of Redemption UNEC. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of (SPSS) version 25 and Microsoft Excel. Results: The mean age and standard deviation of the respondents was 43.08±9.12. A greater percentage (n=70, 66%) had poor knowledge about vasectomy. The majority (n=74, 69.85%) had a negative perception of vasectomy. Only 1.9% (n=2) of the men have undergone vasectomy. Of those who have not had a vasectomy, only 6.7% (n=7) reported that they would consider it. The overall acceptability of vasectomy was 8.5% (n=9) and was not significantly associated with knowledge (p = .268). Conclusion: Overall, there was poor knowledge, negative perception, and low acceptability of vasectomy among the respondents. Although acceptability was not dependent on knowledge, there is still a need for healthcare workers to carry out educational programs, especially geared towards religious and cultural beliefs, engage community leaders, and train peer educators to improve the knowledge and acceptability of vasectomy among men. Keywords: Vasectomy, Acceptability, Adult men, Knowledge, Perception.