Understanding men's perspective on women's contraceptive use in Tanzania: insights from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey.

backgroundMale dominance in reproductive health decision-making, specifically family planning has been argued to have a significant influence on uptake of sexual and reproductive health services. However, the extent of men’s influence on women’s contraceptive use and the factors shaping their perception remain underexplored in Tanzania. This study aims to examine the prevalence and factors associated with men’s perspectives on women’s contraceptive use in Tanzania.

methodsAn Analytical cross-sectional study of the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys data was conducted. The study included 5,763, selected through a two-stage sampling method. Generalized Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with men’s perspective on women contraceptive use. Adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

resultsThe overall men’s perspective regarding women’s contraceptive use was 59.9% (95%CI: 57.9–61.9). Less than half, 46.0% disagrees that contraception is woman’s business, man shouldn’t worry and 40.2% disagree that women who use contraception become promiscuous. In the adjusted regression analysis, men in secondary or higher education were more likely to have a positive perception towards women’s contraceptive use than those with no formal education (APR = 1.27, 95%CI:1.09–1.13). Married or cohabiting men were 16% more likely to have positive perceptions towards contraceptive use than never married men (APR = 1.16, 95% CI:1.04–1.30). Men who were working (APR = 1.14, 95%CI:1. 04-1.34) and those with media exposure (APR = 1.19, 95% CI:1. 07-1.33) were more likely to have positive perceptions than their counterparts. Men with exposure to family planning messages were 14% more likely to have a positive perception than their counterparts (APR = 1.14, 95%CI:1.05–1.23).

conclusionThis study reaffirms that education, marital status, employment, and targeted family planning communications are vital contributors to shaping positive male perspectives towards women’s contraceptive use. Addressing these challenges through multi-level, gender-inclusive interventions designed to increase men’s knowledge, confront myths, and adapt health services is essential for improving contraceptive use and ultimately reducing maternal and child health risks.