Men in Uttar Pradesh, India, Know Little About Women's Reproductive Health Needs

Abstract

The article presents findings from the 1995-96 Uttar Pradesh Male Reproductive Health Survey among 6727 married men of all ages in India. Findings reveal that 81% of the married men were 20-49 years old. Mens knowledge of womens reproductive health was limited. 78% were unable to correctly identify the fertile period in the menstrual cycle. Only 33% of men who had completed high school knew the correct fertile period. Younger men were less likely than older men to know the fertile period. Knowledge of the fertile period and knowledge of symptoms of pregnancy complications were highest among men with high socioeconomic status. 47% could not correctly identify a symptom of serious pregnancy or childbirth complications. 71% did not know that symptoms were not always apparent with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). 47% were not aware that STDs could be transmitted from a pregnant woman to a fetus or a newborn. 84% did not engage in extramarital relations. 12% reported premarital sexual relations. 2% reported extramarital sex. 87% had never used a condom in extramarital sex. 9% had symptoms of an STD. 64% believed that wives must follow a husbands instructions. 68% believed that wives must follow instructions of elders and in-laws. 37% reported that a wifes use of contraception would involve a difficult negotiation with her husband.