Psychological Factors Influencing Men's Participation in Family planning In Kakamega County, Kenya

Family planning has attracted attention all over the world due to its relevance in decision making, population growth and development. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the psychological factors influencing men’s participation in family planning practices in Kakamega County, Kenya. This study adopted cross-sectional survey design using mixed methodology. The study targeted a total of 17469 household heads in Likuyani, Malava and Lugari Sub-Counties. Sample size determination formula was used to obtain 376 respondents. Stratified, simple random, purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the participants. Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Instrument validity was done through expert judgement while reliability involved the use of the test-retest method. Data obtained was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze quantitative data. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was employed to determine the relationship that existed between the independent variables and dependent variables. Qualitative data from interview schedules were transcribed, thematically classified and arranged before they were finally reported in narrations and quotations. The study found a significant negative correlation between psychological factors and men’s participation in family planning in Kakamega County (r = -.286; p = .000). This shows that psychological factors affect men’s participation in family planning practices in Kakamega county. The study recommended that promotion and sensitization campaigns on various family planning methods and their advantages, mainly targeting men, need to be undertaken in the region by the national government, county government and non-state actors. This study may be of importance to couples in understanding the psychological factors that hinder men in participating in family planning practices. In addition, by understanding the psychological factors affecting family planning, the government and other healthcare partners in Kenya may use the findings in providing health education on family planning.