Men's Attitude towards the Use of Family Planning Methods by Women in India: An Exploratory Study

Men's perception, knowledge and attitude are very important in family planning issue. Men's attitudes towards family planning influence their partner's attitudes and eventual adoption of contraceptive method. Present study has addressed men's attitudes towards the use and choice of contraception by women in India. The National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) data has been used. Bivariate and multivariate analyses are used. Findings show, 22% men in India think contraception is women's business, and men should not have to worry about it. 16% men believe, by using contraception, women may become promiscuous. According to 49% men, a lactating woman, can't become pregnant. 66% men accept that male condom, if used correctly in most of the time, can protect unwanted pregnancy. Men with higher education level (OR = 9.798, p < 0.01), having media exposure (OR = 2.688, p < 0.01) and with knowledge of modern family planning (OR = 2.688, p < 0.01) are significantly more likely to agree that wife can ask her husband to use condom if he has STDs. Hence, men can support the choice and use of contraception made by their wives or partners, and can adopt any modern contraception method which can protect the couples from STDs. Awareness programs and family planning services should target men from disadvantaged background.