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Muslim Men’S Perceptions And Attitudes On Family Planning: A Qualitative Study In Wajir And Lamu Counties In Kenya, Batula Abdi, Jerry Okal, Gamal Serour, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

In patriarchal societies like Kenya, understanding men’s perceptions and attitudes on family planning is critical given their decision-making roles that affect uptake of contraception. Yet, most programmes mainly target women as primary users of contraceptive methods since they bear the burden of pregnancy. However, women-focused approaches tend to overlook gender power dynamics within relationships, with men wielding excessive power that determines contraception use or non-use. A qualitative study involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was conducted in the two predominantly Muslim communities of Lamu and Wajir counties, Kenya. Open-ended questions explored perspectives, attitudes and men’s understanding of contraception, family …