Utilization of modern Family Planning methods and associated factors among men aged 15- 54 years in Pakwach District Uganda: A Cross-sectional study

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In Uganda male contraceptive use is predominantly limited to condoms, with vasectomy uptake almost ineligible. Objective To assess the level of utilization to and factors influencing utilization of modern FP services among men 15–54 years in Pakwach district. Methodology: This cross-sectional study collected data from 302 men aged 15–54 using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed in STATA 15 to identify the factors influencing utilization. Results Out of 302 men interviewed, only 45.4% of the respondents reported condom use, and no participants reported vasectomy uptake. Factors associated with utilization of modern FP included comfort discussing FP with social networks (AOR: 4.85, 95% CI: 2.12–11.56), access to modern FP (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09–0.61), and family planning side effects (AOR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.92). Conclusion and recommendations: The study reveals low utilization of modern FP among men in Pakwach. To enhance utilization, interventions should prioritize couple-based counseling, strengthening contraceptive supply chains to improve affordability and accessibility, and increasing awareness on lesser-known male contraceptive methods. Family Planning services modern male contraceptive use Contraceptive utilization Male involvement Background Family planning (FP) is a critical component of public health, allowing individuals and couples to control their reproductive outcomes by deciding the number and timing of their children. Modern male contraception includes methods such as condoms and vasectomy. These methods not only help prevent unwanted pregnancies but also contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality, especially in resource-limited settings (CCP and WHO, 2018 ). Globally, the use of male contraceptives, especially condoms, varies widely. According to WHO (2022), around 22% of men worldwide use condoms as their primary form of contraception, while only about 2.4% have undergone a vasectomy (WHO, 2022). In sub-Saharan Africa, male contraceptive use is particularly low, with vasectomy rates below 1% and condom use hovering around 24.6%—significantly lower compared to other regions, such as North America and Europe (53%), where vasectomy rates are significantly higher (3–8%) (United Nations, 2019 ). In East Africa, particularly Uganda, 23.5% of teenage girls are either pregnant or have already had their first child (Uganda Bureau of Statistcs, 2023), with 28% of sexually active school girls getting pregnant, and 97% of them dropping out of school due to the pregnancy. Additionally, 10% of women and 19% of men age 15–19 had sexual intercourse by age 15, with only 33% of national contraceptive prevalence (Uganda Bureau of Statistcs, 2023). In rural areas like Pakwach, strong cultural norms, inadequate service provision and limited male targeted programs exacerbate these challenges. Addressing men’s utilization patterns is critical to ensuring shared responsibility in reproductive health. Methods Study design and Participants This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Pakwach district, a rural area in Uganda located in the West Nile sub-region. Pakwach has a population of approximately 206,961, the majority of whom are female (52.7%), distributed across 42,909 households (Uganda Bureau of Statistcs, 2024 ). The district’s health infrastructure, consisting of one Health Centre IV, six Health Centre IIIs, and nine Health Centre IIs, alongside private facilities offering free or subsidized FP services, provides a relevant setting to examine access to reproductive health services (Dickinson, 2021; Pakwach District Local Government, 2019 ). Three sub-counties were randomly selected to form study clusters, ensuring representation across the district. Study population consisted of men aged 15–54 years who met the study eligibility criteria. Data collection A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from men aged 15–54 years residing in the selected areas after consenting to participate in the study. The tool was developed by the researcher, with selected sections adapted from the Uganda Demographic and Heath Survey 2016 (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2016). Five research assistants were recruited and trained on the study’s objectives, ethical considerations, use of data collection tools, and practical sessions using the Open Data Kit (ODK) before commencement of data collection. GPS coordinates were recorded for each interview location to ensure data integrity and avoid manipulation. Data analysis Data collected using ODK, was downloaded into excel spreadsheets format then imported into Stata/SE Version 15.0 for further data management and analysis. Data was cleaned and backed up on an external drive at every point of data analysis and checked for consistency, completeness and validation to ensure accurate and necessary corrections are made. In the descriptive analysis, the median and interquartile range (IQR) for age was calculated. This continuous variable – age was then categorized into appropriate age groups for further analysis. The categorized variables were then summarized in the descriptive table using frequencies and percentages to provide a clear overview of the distribution across the sample. Utilization of modern family planning services was measured and tabulated into frequency and percentage. Regarding the factors associated with utilization of modern FP services, a bivariable analysis was done, continuous variables were categorized into groups for analysis. Pearson Chi-Square test was conducted for categorical variables that met Chi-Square criteria and Fisher’s exact test was conducted for variables that did not meet. A 5% level of significance was used. At multivariable analysis, all variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were considered. Multicollinearity among variables was checked and a correlation coefficient of 0.4 or more was considered high, therefore, both variables were not included in the model. Forward elimination procedure was used during the model building. This started with one variable added one by one based on the cut off significance level (p-value of less than 0.25) chosen. The model was improved step by step by adding an extra variable to the model at each step. The variable with the most significant effect when correcting for the other variables in the model was added in the final model and this step stopped when adding another variable did not show any more improvement of the model. The importance of each variable was verified using Wald’s test by comparing the coefficients of each variable with those of the model with only that variable and any variable that does not appear important was eliminated. A variable was considered to cause an interaction if it caused a change of more than 10% between the ratios of the adjusted and unadjusted model. The process of deleting, refitting, and verifying was repeated until all important variables appear to be included in the model and the goodness of fit test of the model was run. Results Participants’ demographic characteristics A total of 302 participants fully completed the survey. From Table 1 below, the median age (IQR) of the respondents was 27.5 (22–36) years. Age group distribution shows that the majority of the respondents (164, 54.3%) were 20–34 years and (167, 55.3%) were married. In terms of education level attained, primary education was the most common (125, 41.4%) and religious affiliation showed Catholic as the predominant group (164, 54.3%). Most respondents reported having sources of income (271, 89.7%), with fishing (73, 24.2%), farming (68, 22.5%), businesses (39, 12.9%), and salary earners (37, 12.3%) as the major sources of income, including other sources accounting for 85 (28.1%). Table 1 Respondent characteristics for men involved in the survey (n = 302) Characteristics Frequency (f) Percentage (%) Age in years : Median (IQR) 27.5 (22–36) Age group 15–19 53 17.5 20–34 164 54.3 35–44 56 18.5 45–54 29 9.6 Marital status Single 114 37.7 Married 167 55.3 Divorced 17 5.6 Widowed 4 1.3 Education level None 17 5.6 Primary 125 41.4 Secondary 118 39.1 Tertiary 42 13.9 Religion Anglican 101 33.4 Catholic 164 54.3 Muslim 21 7.0 Others 16 5.3 Have income Yes 271 89.7 No 31 10.3 Source of income Farming 68 22.5 Fishing 73 24.2 Business 39 12.9 Salary 37 12.3 Others 85 28.1 IQR: Inter Quartile Range Utilization of modern FP services among men. Table 2 below illustrates the level of family planning utilization, with 137 men (45.4%) reporting the use of male condoms. This clarification underscores that the reported utilization findings are specific to condom use, reflecting a lack of uptake for vasectomy as a male FP method among the study population. The highest utilization of condom was observed among participants aged 20–34 years, with 91 (66.4%) using it, married participants (90, 65.7%) and those who had attained secondary education (65, 47.4%). By religious affiliation, Catholics demonstrated the highest utilization accounting for (73, 53.3%). Majority of the users also had at least one income source (128, 93.4%). Additionally, the largest proportion of respondents utilizing condom as modern male family planning methods were primarily engaged in farming (27.7%). Table 2 Respondents’ key characteristics by use of modern male family planning. Key characteristics Utilization of Modern Male FP No Yes Total Use of Modern Male FP 165(54.6%) 137(45.4%) 302(100%) Age group 15–19 40 (24.2%) 13 (9.5%) 53 (17.5%) 20–34 73 (44.2%) 91 (66.4%) 164 (54.3%) 35–44 34 (20.6%) 22 (16.1%) 56 (18.5%) 45–54 18 (10.9%) 11 (8.0%) 29 (9.6%) Marital status Single 72 (43.6%) 42 (30.7%) 114 (37.7%) Married 77 (46.7%) 90 (65.7%) 167 (55.3%) Divorced 13 (7.9%) 4 (2.9%) 17 (5.6%) Widowed 3 (1.8%) 1 (0.7%) 4 (1.3%) Highest education level attained None 15 (9.1%) 2 (1.5%) 17 (5.6%) Primary 86 (52.1%) 39 (28.5%) 125 (41.4%) Secondary 53 (32.1%) 65 (47.4%) 118 (39.1%) Tertiary 11 (6.7%) 31 (22.6%) 42 (13.9%) Religion Anglican 54 (32.7%) 47 (34.3%) 101 (33.4%) Catholic 91 (55.2%) 73 (53.3%) 164 (54.3%) Muslim 12 (7.3%) 9 (6.6%) 21 (7.0%) Others 8 (4.8%) 8 (5.8%) 16 (5.3%) Have income Yes 143 (86.7%) 128 (93.4%) 271 (89.7%) No 22 (13.3%) 9 (6.6%) 31 (10.3%) Source of income Farming 30 (18.2%) 38 (27.7%) 68 (22.5%) Fishing 53 (32.1%) 20 (14.6%) 73 (24.2%) Business 21 (12.7%) 18 (13.1%) 39 (12.9%) Salary 11 (6.7%) 26 (19.0%) 37 (12.3%) Others 50 (30.3%) 35 (25.5%) 85 (28.1%) 6.4.1 Factors associated with utilization of modern male FP methods among men 15–54 years At multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with utilization of modern male family planning (FP) methods included access to healthcare, comfort discussing FP with one’s social network, and fear of side effects as indicated in Table 3 below. Men who reported being comfortable discussing FP with their social network had significantly higher odds of utilizing modern male FP methods compared to those who were not comfortable, with an adjusted odd ratio (aOR) of 4.85 (95% CI: 2.12–11.56). Similarly, those who had access to healthcare were more likely to use modern FP methods (aOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09–0.61), indicating a protective association. Conversely, men who reported fear of side effects had significantly lower odds of modern male FP utilization (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.92). Whereas age, marital status, source of income, and experience of FP-related stigma showed associations in unadjusted analysis, these associations did not remain statistically significant in the adjusted model. Notably, the stigma variable was excluded from the final model due to collinearity or lack of statistical significance. The model was adjusted for participants’ age, marital status, and source of income. Table 3 Factors associated with utilization of modern male family planning methods Characteristics Total N = 302 Un Adjusted OR(95%CI) Adjusted OR(95%CI) Age group 15–19 53 (17.5%) Ref Ref 20–34 164 (54.3%) 3.84(1.95–7.96)*** 1.16(0.41–3.33) 35–44 56 (18.5%) 1.99(0.88–4.63) 0.49(0.13–1.78) 45–54 29 (9.6%) 1.88(0.70–5.03) 0.59(0.13–2.67) Marital status Single 114 (37.7%) Ref Ref Married 167 (55.3%) 2.00(1.24–3.28)** 1.69(0.79–3.62) Divorced 17 (5.6%) 0.53(0.14–1.60)** 0.55(0.11–2.45) Widowed 4 (1.3%) 0.57(0.03–4.63) 10.58(0.26-320.82) Source of income Farming 68 (22.5%) Ref Ref Fishing 73 (24.2%) 0.29(0.15–0.59)*** 0.45(0.19–1.06) Business 39 (12.9%) 0.68(0.30–1.49) 0.74(0.26–2.14) Salary 37 (12.3%) 1.87(0.81–4.49) 1.62(0.50–5.35) Others 85 (28.1%) 0.55(0.29–1.05) 0.52(0.19–1.34) Have access to healthcare No 218 (72.1%) Ref Ref Yes 84 (27.9%) 1.87(0.25–1.02)* 0.24(0.09–0.61)* Comfortable discussing FP with social network No 79 (26.2%) Ref Ref Yes 223 (73.8%) 2.99(1.73–5.36)*** 4.85(2.12–11.56)* Experience FP stigma in access No 89 (29.5%) Ref -- Yes 213 (70.5%) 0.50(0.30–0.83)** Fear of FP side effects No 77 (25.5%) Ref Ref Yes 225 (74.5%) 0.49(0.29–0.83)** 0.45(0.21–0.92)* Note: *** p 0.001 0.01 0.05); the model was adjusted for age of participants, marital status and source of income Discussion 7.3 Utilization of modern FP services among men The study found utilization of male condoms at 45.4% and none of the men reported using vasectomy as a modern FP method. This finding reflects a moderate uptake compared to a similar study in Lira, Northern Uganda where utilization rates were 46.4% and were influenced by awareness, willingness to use and partner involvement (Tumwesigye et al., 2023 ) Absent uptake of vasectomy as a method in this study is also consistent with studies on modern male FP utilization among men in Indonesia which found that men did not take vasectomy indicating sociocultural barriers and limited awareness of vasectomy as a viable option (Idris & Syafriyanti, 2021 ). 7.3.1 Factors associated with the Utilization of modern male FP methods Respondents who reported being comfortable discussing family planning within their social networks had significantly higher odds of utilizing modern male family planning methods compared to those who were uncomfortable discussing family planning within their social networks (Adjusted OR: 4.85, 95% CI: 2.12–11.56). This underscores the importance of social support and open communication as a couples in promoting contraceptive use among males, as individuals who feel supported and informed are more likely to access and adopt family planning services as reported by (Aventin et al., 2021 ; Costenbader et al., 2017 ; Mulatu et al., 2022 ) Additionally, the study also found that men who reported having access to healthcare were significantly more likely to use modern male FP methods, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.09–0.61, p < 0.05). This finding aligns with a scoping review where eight studies reported that accessibility to family planning was influenced by access to information on family planning among other factors (Alias et al., 2025 ) Lastly, respondents who expressed concerns about the side effects of FP methods had lower odds of utilization of modern male FP methods compared to those with no concerns about the side effects of male FP methods (Adjusted OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.92). Fear of adverse effects, whether perceived or experienced, remains a significant deterrent to contraceptive uptake, reflecting the importance of comprehensive counselling, education on method options, and addressing misconceptions to improve acceptance and continuation rates as seen in similar studies in Uganda and Indonesia (Idris & Syafriyanti, 2021 ; Namasivayam et al., 2020 ). Limitations Our study had a number of limitations: 1. Despite offering valuable insights, the study's limitations include its focus on a specific geographic area, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. Future research should consider exploring longitudinal trends and conducting comparative analyses across diverse populations to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing FP utilization among men and to inform more effective interventions. 2. Lack of data on whether men not utilizing modern male FP methods had partners or spouses using other modern FP methods. This omission limits the ability to fully understand the dynamics of shared contraceptive responsibility within couples and may have resulted in an incomplete picture of overall FP utilization at the household level. 3. The outcome variable in this study was based on self-reported data, which is subject to potential bias, such as over reporting or underreporting due to social desirability or recall issues. While efforts were made to mitigate this bias by creating a confidential and non-judgmental environment during data collection, it remains a limitation of the study. This limitation has been acknowledged and considered when interpreting the findings, emphasizing the need for cautious generalization of the results. Future studies could complement self-reported data with observational methods or triangulate with other data sources to enhance reliability. Conclusion While 45.4% of men reported using condoms, no respondents had undergone vasectomy, highlighting a gap in the utilization of permanent male contraceptive methods. Factors such as being comfortable discussing family planning within their social networks, access to modern family planning and concerns about side effects hindered utilization of modern FP methods among men. We therefore recommend Community-based organizations and healthcare providers prioritizing couple-based counselling to foster shared responsibility and joint decision-making among married men, thereby enhancing modern FP use given that open discussions with social networks significantly influenced utilization of modern male FP methods. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health together with the healthcare facilities should strengthen supply chains to ensure a steady availability of affordable contraceptives, including free or subsidized options, with discreet collection points to increase accessibility. Lastly, Health workers/Family planning providers should increase awareness through educating men on lesser-known male contraceptive methods, such as vasectomy, to address existing knowledge gaps. Abbreviations SRH Sexual and Reproductive Health AFS Adolescent-friendly services FP Family Planning UDHS Uganda Demographic and Health Survey HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV/AIDS Human Immune Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome STIs Sexually Transmitted Infections UNFPA United Nations Population Fund WHO World Health Organisation Declarations Clinical trial number Not applicable Ethics approval and consent to participate Ethical approval for this study was obtained from Makerere University School of Public Health Research and Ethics Committee (MAKSPH-REC) (Approval number 360 ). Administrative clearance was also secured from relevant local authorities prior to data collection. All procedures performed in this study were conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and applicable institutional guidelines for research involving human participants. Participants were adequately informed about the purpose of the study, procedures, voluntary participation and their right to refuse or withdraw from the study anytime. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Funding This study was not supported with funds from any organization or institution Author Contribution RDA designed the study. KP conceptualization of the analysis, KP & RDA analyzed the data. All authors interpreted the results. RDA & NN wrote the first draft of the manuscript. MC & MA contributed to the critical review & editing of the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the study participants for their time and willingness to share their experiences despite their busy schedules, without which this study would not have been possible. Additionally, we are grateful to the research team, District Health Officer of Pakwach District and the community leaders for their invaluable cooperation and support during the data collection process. Data Availability The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available but upon reasonable request from corresponding authors, can be availed. References Alias A, Mokti K, Azhar N, Mohamad Lotfi W, Hidrus WHN, Sidek Ahmad A, Zali ZNM, M. I. S R., Ibrahim MY. Assessing male involvement in family planning: A scoping review of prevalence and its associated factors. Med J Malay. 2025;80(5):642–8. Aventin Á, Gordon S, Laurenzi C, Rabie S, Tomlinson M, Lohan M, Stewart J, Thurston A, Lohfeld L, Melendez-Torres GJ, Makhetha M, Chideya Y, Skeen S. Adolescent condom use in Southern Africa: Narrative systematic review and conceptual model of multilevel barriers and facilitators. BMC Public Health. 2021;21(1):1228. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11306-6 . CCP and WHO. (2018). World Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research (WHO/RHR) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs (CCP), Knowledge for Health Project. Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers . Costenbader E, Lenzi R, Hershow RB, Ashburn K, McCarraher DR. Measurement of Social Norms Affecting Modern Contraceptive Use: A Literature Review. Stud Fam Plann. 2017;48(4):377–89. https://doi.org/10.1111/sifp.12040 . Dickinson P. (2021, May 26). Father of eight receives free healthcare and family planning advice in rural Uganda . CHASE Africa. https://www.chaseafrica.org.uk/father-of-eight-receives-free-healthcare-and-family-planning-advice-in-uganda/ Idris H, Syafriyanti W. Trends and Determinants of Family Planning Utilization Among Men in Indonesia. Makara J Health Res. 2021;25(3). https://doi.org/10.7454/msk.v25i3.1271 . Mulatu T, Sintayehu Y, Dessie Y, Dheresa M. Male involvement in family planning use and associated factors among currently married men in rural Eastern Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med. 2022;10:20503121221094178. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503121221094178 . Namasivayam A, Lovell S, Namutamba S, Schluter PJ. Predictors of modern contraceptive use among women and men in Uganda: A population-level analysis. BMJ Open. 2020;10(2):e034675. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034675 . Pakwach District Local Government. (2019). Health|pakwach.go.ug . Tumwesigye R, Kigongo E, Nakiganga S, Mbyariyehe G, Nabeshya J, Kabunga A, Musinguzi M, Migisha R. Uptake and Associated Factors of Male Contraceptive Method Use: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Uganda. Open Access J Contracept. 2023;14:129–37. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJC.S418820 . Uganda Bureau of Statistcs. (2016). Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2016. Kampala, Uganda . https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR333/FR333.pdf Uganda Bureau of Statistcs. (2023, November). Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2022. Kampala, Uganda : https://www.unicef.org/uganda/media/16731/file/UDHS-2022-Report.pdf.pdf Uganda Bureau of Statistcs. (2024). National Population and Housing Census 2024 Final Report Volume 1 Main . United Nations. (2019). Contraceptive Use by Method 2019: Data Booklet . UN. https://doi.org/10.18356/1bd58a10-en WHO. (2022, May 9). A global study of men and women’s male contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using mixed methods . https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/global-study-men-and-women-male-contraceptive-knowledge-using-mixed-methods Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files RubangaDavidAtubeQuestionnaire.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 07 May, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 26 Apr, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 24 Apr, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 23 Apr, 2026 Editor invited by journal 31 Mar, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 31 Mar, 2026 First submitted to journal 31 Mar, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-9168730","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":631644060,"identity":"71a42cc6-8bfa-493b-bfa2-ab306745a32f","order_by":0,"name":"David Atube Rubanga","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAzElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDCCAwwGYJIfxEkoIFbLASCUbABpMSBFi8EBEI8YLXw3kjd+/th2R874/OrEDw8MGOT5xQ7g1yJ5I61Y4mDbM2OzG283SwAdZjhzdgJ+LQZnzhgAtRxO3Hbj7AaQlgSD24S1GP8AaqnfPOPs5h/EaTneYwayJcGAv3cbcbZIHm8rszhz7pnhjBu82ywSDCQI+4XvMPPmGxVld+T5+89uvvmjwkaeX5qAFgSQAKuUIFY5CPAfIEX1KBgFo2AUjCQAANHvT9k0HIMbAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Makerere University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"David","middleName":"Atube","lastName":"Rubanga","suffix":""},{"id":631644061,"identity":"7638e7fb-a190-49b8-8811-debfde55162c","order_by":1,"name":"Norah Nazziwa","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Makerere University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Norah","middleName":"","lastName":"Nazziwa","suffix":""},{"id":631644062,"identity":"0d850811-4bee-4786-a93b-e8bb46c163ba","order_by":2,"name":"Peter Kalulu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Washington University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Peter","middleName":"","lastName":"Kalulu","suffix":""},{"id":631644063,"identity":"f1641b37-a13c-4eea-8708-c9b4a2095cc3","order_by":3,"name":"Christine Muhumuza","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Makerere University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Christine","middleName":"","lastName":"Muhumuza","suffix":""},{"id":631644064,"identity":"c1ad393e-7713-4789-9b6a-5539376c02cd","order_by":4,"name":"Aggrey Mukose","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Makerere University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Aggrey","middleName":"","lastName":"Mukose","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-03-19 11:08:41","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9168730/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9168730/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":108494022,"identity":"04df4c27-37c2-46c1-9d46-26e4ec3c1b38","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-05 10:02:19","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":375174,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9168730/v1/dd00fa4b-2b7b-4e2f-99f3-fc792719612c.pdf"},{"id":108453211,"identity":"2f92e96d-6f5d-4d03-8696-d78a8876a344","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-05-04 20:18:56","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":53972,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"RubangaDavidAtubeQuestionnaire.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9168730/v1/1567c33cbac77e10a65b6407.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Utilization of modern Family Planning methods and associated factors among men aged 15- 54 years in Pakwach District Uganda: A Cross-sectional study","fulltext":[{"header":"Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eFamily planning (FP) is a critical component of public health, allowing individuals and couples to control their reproductive outcomes by deciding the number and timing of their children. Modern male contraception includes methods such as condoms and vasectomy. These methods not only help prevent unwanted pregnancies but also contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality, especially in resource-limited settings (CCP and WHO, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Globally, the use of male contraceptives, especially condoms, varies widely. According to WHO (2022), around 22% of men worldwide use condoms as their primary form of contraception, while only about 2.4% have undergone a vasectomy (WHO, 2022). In sub-Saharan Africa, male contraceptive use is particularly low, with vasectomy rates below 1% and condom use hovering around 24.6%\u0026mdash;significantly lower compared to other regions, such as North America and Europe (53%), where vasectomy rates are significantly higher (3\u0026ndash;8%) (United Nations, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). In East Africa, particularly Uganda, 23.5% of teenage girls are either pregnant or have already had their first child (Uganda Bureau of Statistcs, 2023), with 28% of sexually active school girls getting pregnant, and 97% of them dropping out of school due to the pregnancy. Additionally, 10% of women and 19% of men age 15\u0026ndash;19 had sexual intercourse by age 15, with only 33% of national contraceptive prevalence (Uganda Bureau of Statistcs, 2023).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn rural areas like Pakwach, strong cultural norms, inadequate service provision and limited male targeted programs exacerbate these challenges. Addressing men\u0026rsquo;s utilization patterns is critical to ensuring shared responsibility in reproductive health.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy design and Participants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in Pakwach district, a rural area in Uganda located in the West Nile sub-region. Pakwach has a population of approximately 206,961, the majority of whom are female (52.7%), distributed across 42,909 households (Uganda Bureau of Statistcs, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe district\u0026rsquo;s health infrastructure, consisting of one Health Centre IV, six Health Centre IIIs, and nine Health Centre IIs, alongside private facilities offering free or subsidized FP services, provides a relevant setting to examine access to reproductive health services (Dickinson, 2021; Pakwach District Local Government, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Three sub-counties were randomly selected to form study clusters, ensuring representation across the district. Study population consisted of men aged 15\u0026ndash;54 years who met the study eligibility criteria.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData collection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA structured questionnaire was used to collect data from men aged 15\u0026ndash;54 years residing in the selected areas after consenting to participate in the study. The tool was developed by the researcher, with selected sections adapted from the Uganda Demographic and Heath Survey 2016 (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2016). Five research assistants were recruited and trained on the study\u0026rsquo;s objectives, ethical considerations, use of data collection tools, and practical sessions using the Open Data Kit (ODK) before commencement of data collection. GPS coordinates were recorded for each interview location to ensure data integrity and avoid manipulation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData collected using ODK, was downloaded into excel spreadsheets format then imported into Stata/SE Version 15.0 for further data management and analysis. Data was cleaned and backed up on an external drive at every point of data analysis and checked for consistency, completeness and validation to ensure accurate and necessary corrections are made. In the descriptive analysis, the median and interquartile range (IQR) for age was calculated. This continuous variable \u0026ndash; age was then categorized into appropriate age groups for further analysis. The categorized variables were then summarized in the descriptive table using frequencies and percentages to provide a clear overview of the distribution across the sample.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUtilization of modern family planning services was measured and tabulated into frequency and percentage. Regarding the factors associated with utilization of modern FP services, a bivariable analysis was done, continuous variables were categorized into groups for analysis. Pearson Chi-Square test was conducted for categorical variables that met Chi-Square criteria and Fisher\u0026rsquo;s exact test was conducted for variables that did not meet. A 5% level of significance was used.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt multivariable analysis, all variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were considered. Multicollinearity among variables was checked and a correlation coefficient of 0.4 or more was considered high, therefore, both variables were not included in the model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eForward elimination procedure was used during the model building. This started with one variable added one by one based on the cut off significance level (p-value of less than 0.25) chosen. The model was improved step by step by adding an extra variable to the model at each step. The variable with the most significant effect when correcting for the other variables in the model was added in the final model and this step stopped when adding another variable did not show any more improvement of the model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe importance of each variable was verified using Wald\u0026rsquo;s test by comparing the coefficients of each variable with those of the model with only that variable and any variable that does not appear important was eliminated. A variable was considered to cause an interaction if it caused a change of more than 10% between the ratios of the adjusted and unadjusted model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe process of deleting, refitting, and verifying was repeated until all important variables appear to be included in the model and the goodness of fit test of the model was run.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eParticipants\u0026rsquo; demographic characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 302 participants fully completed the survey. From Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e below, the median age (IQR) of the respondents was 27.5 (22\u0026ndash;36) years. Age group distribution shows that the majority of the respondents (164, 54.3%) were 20\u0026ndash;34 years and (167, 55.3%) were married. In terms of education level attained, primary education was the most common (125, 41.4%) and religious affiliation showed Catholic as the predominant group (164, 54.3%). Most respondents reported having sources of income (271, 89.7%), with fishing (73, 24.2%), farming (68, 22.5%), businesses (39, 12.9%), and salary earners (37, 12.3%) as the major sources of income, including other sources accounting for 85 (28.1%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRespondent characteristics for men involved in the survey (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;302)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCharacteristics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency (f)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge in years\u003c/b\u003e: Median (IQR)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.5 (22\u0026ndash;36)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge group\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u0026ndash;44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u0026ndash;54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e114\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e167\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation level\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTertiary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReligion\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnglican\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCatholic\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHave income\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e271\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSource of income\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarming\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFishing\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBusiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSalary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIQR: Inter Quartile Range\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eUtilization of modern FP services among men.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e below illustrates the level of family planning utilization, with 137 men (45.4%) reporting the use of male condoms. This clarification underscores that the reported utilization findings are specific to condom use, reflecting a lack of uptake for vasectomy as a male FP method among the study population. The highest utilization of condom was observed among participants aged 20\u0026ndash;34 years, with 91 (66.4%) using it, married participants (90, 65.7%) and those who had attained secondary education (65, 47.4%). By religious affiliation, Catholics demonstrated the highest utilization accounting for (73, 53.3%). Majority of the users also had at least one income source (128, 93.4%). Additionally, the largest proportion of respondents utilizing condom as modern male family planning methods were primarily engaged in farming (27.7%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRespondents\u0026rsquo; key characteristics by use of modern male family planning.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey characteristics\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUtilization of Modern Male FP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUse of Modern Male FP\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165(54.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e137(45.4%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e302(100%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge group\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40 (24.2%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 (9.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53 (17.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73 (44.2%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91 (66.4%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164 (54.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u0026ndash;44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34 (20.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22 (16.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56 (18.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u0026ndash;54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (10.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11 (8.0%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29 (9.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72 (43.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42 (30.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e114 (37.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77 (46.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90 (65.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e167 (55.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 (7.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 (2.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17 (5.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (1.8%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1 (0.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 (1.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHighest education level attained\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15 (9.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (1.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17 (5.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e86 (52.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39 (28.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125 (41.4%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53 (32.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65 (47.4%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118 (39.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTertiary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11 (6.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31 (22.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42 (13.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReligion\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnglican\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54 (32.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47 (34.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101 (33.4%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCatholic\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91 (55.2%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73 (53.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164 (54.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMuslim\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (7.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (6.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21 (7.0%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 (4.8%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 (5.8%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16 (5.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHave income\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e143 (86.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e128 (93.4%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e271 (89.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22 (13.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (6.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31 (10.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSource of income\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarming\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30 (18.2%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38 (27.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68 (22.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFishing\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53 (32.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20 (14.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73 (24.2%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBusiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21 (12.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (13.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39 (12.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSalary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11 (6.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26 (19.0%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37 (12.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50 (30.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35 (25.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85 (28.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e6.4.1 Factors associated with utilization of modern male FP methods among men 15\u0026ndash;54 years\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with utilization of modern male family planning (FP) methods included access to healthcare, comfort discussing FP with one\u0026rsquo;s social network, and fear of side effects as indicated in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e below. Men who reported being comfortable discussing FP with their social network had significantly higher odds of utilizing modern male FP methods compared to those who were not comfortable, with an adjusted odd ratio (aOR) of 4.85 (95% CI: 2.12\u0026ndash;11.56). Similarly, those who had access to healthcare were more likely to use modern FP methods (aOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.24, 95% CI: 0.09\u0026ndash;0.61), indicating a protective association. Conversely, men who reported fear of side effects had significantly lower odds of modern male FP utilization (aOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.45, 95% CI: 0.21\u0026ndash;0.92).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhereas age, marital status, source of income, and experience of FP-related stigma showed associations in unadjusted analysis, these associations did not remain statistically significant in the adjusted model. Notably, the stigma variable was excluded from the final model due to collinearity or lack of statistical significance. The model was adjusted for participants\u0026rsquo; age, marital status, and source of income.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFactors associated with utilization of modern male family planning methods\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCharacteristics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eN\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;302\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUn Adjusted OR(95%CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdjusted\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOR(95%CI)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53 (17.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164 (54.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.84(1.95\u0026ndash;7.96)***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.16(0.41\u0026ndash;3.33)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u0026ndash;44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56 (18.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.99(0.88\u0026ndash;4.63)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49(0.13\u0026ndash;1.78)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u0026ndash;54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29 (9.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.88(0.70\u0026ndash;5.03)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59(0.13\u0026ndash;2.67)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e114 (37.7%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e167 (55.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.00(1.24\u0026ndash;3.28)**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.69(0.79\u0026ndash;3.62)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17 (5.6%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.53(0.14\u0026ndash;1.60)**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.55(0.11\u0026ndash;2.45)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidowed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 (1.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.57(0.03\u0026ndash;4.63)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.58(0.26-320.82)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSource of income\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarming\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68 (22.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFishing\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73 (24.2%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29(0.15\u0026ndash;0.59)***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45(0.19\u0026ndash;1.06)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBusiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39 (12.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.68(0.30\u0026ndash;1.49)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.74(0.26\u0026ndash;2.14)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSalary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37 (12.3%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.87(0.81\u0026ndash;4.49)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.62(0.50\u0026ndash;5.35)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85 (28.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.55(0.29\u0026ndash;1.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.52(0.19\u0026ndash;1.34)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHave access to healthcare\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e218 (72.1%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84 (27.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.87(0.25\u0026ndash;1.02)*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.24(0.09\u0026ndash;0.61)*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eComfortable discussing FP with social network\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79 (26.2%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e223 (73.8%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.99(1.73\u0026ndash;5.36)***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.85(2.12\u0026ndash;11.56)*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eExperience FP stigma in access\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89 (29.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e--\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e213 (70.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50(0.30\u0026ndash;0.83)**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFear of FP side effects\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77 (25.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRef\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e225 (74.5%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49(0.29\u0026ndash;0.83)**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45(0.21\u0026ndash;0.92)*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: *** p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001,** p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, * p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e-- variable removed from the model due to collinearity or p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05); the model was adjusted for age of participants, marital status and source of income\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e7.3 Utilization of modern FP services among men\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study found utilization of male condoms at 45.4% and none of the men reported using vasectomy as a modern FP method. This finding reflects a moderate uptake compared to a similar study in Lira, Northern Uganda where utilization rates were 46.4% and were influenced by awareness, willingness to use and partner involvement (Tumwesigye et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) Absent uptake of vasectomy as a method in this study is also consistent with studies on modern male FP utilization among men in Indonesia which found that men did not take vasectomy indicating sociocultural barriers and limited awareness of vasectomy as a viable option (Idris \u0026amp; Syafriyanti, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e7.3.1 Factors associated with the Utilization of modern male FP methods\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRespondents who reported being comfortable discussing family planning within their social networks had significantly higher odds of utilizing modern male family planning methods compared to those who were uncomfortable discussing family planning within their social networks (Adjusted OR: 4.85, 95% CI: 2.12\u0026ndash;11.56). This underscores the importance of social support and open communication as a couples in promoting contraceptive use among males, as individuals who feel supported and informed are more likely to access and adopt family planning services as reported by (Aventin et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Costenbader et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Mulatu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) Additionally, the study also found that men who reported having access to healthcare were significantly more likely to use modern male FP methods, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.09\u0026ndash;0.61, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). This finding aligns with a scoping review where eight studies reported that accessibility to family planning was influenced by access to information on family planning among other factors (Alias et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLastly, respondents who expressed concerns about the side effects of FP methods had lower odds of utilization of modern male FP methods compared to those with no concerns about the side effects of male FP methods (Adjusted OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21\u0026ndash;0.92). Fear of adverse effects, whether perceived or experienced, remains a significant deterrent to contraceptive uptake, reflecting the importance of comprehensive counselling, education on method options, and addressing misconceptions to improve acceptance and continuation rates as seen in similar studies in Uganda and Indonesia (Idris \u0026amp; Syafriyanti, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Namasivayam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Limitations","content":"\u003cp\u003eOur study had a number of limitations: 1. Despite offering valuable insights, the study's limitations include its focus on a specific geographic area, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings. Future research should consider exploring longitudinal trends and conducting comparative analyses across diverse populations to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing FP utilization among men and to inform more effective interventions. 2. Lack of data on whether men not utilizing modern male FP methods had partners or spouses using other modern FP methods. This omission limits the ability to fully understand the dynamics of shared contraceptive responsibility within couples and may have resulted in an incomplete picture of overall FP utilization at the household level. 3. The outcome variable in this study was based on self-reported data, which is subject to potential bias, such as over reporting or underreporting due to social desirability or recall issues. While efforts were made to mitigate this bias by creating a confidential and non-judgmental environment during data collection, it remains a limitation of the study. This limitation has been acknowledged and considered when interpreting the findings, emphasizing the need for cautious generalization of the results. Future studies could complement self-reported data with observational methods or triangulate with other data sources to enhance reliability.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eWhile 45.4% of men reported using condoms, no respondents had undergone vasectomy, highlighting a gap in the utilization of permanent male contraceptive methods. Factors such as being comfortable discussing family planning within their social networks, access to modern family planning and concerns about side effects hindered utilization of modern FP methods among men. We therefore recommend Community-based organizations and healthcare providers prioritizing couple-based counselling to foster shared responsibility and joint decision-making among married men, thereby enhancing modern FP use given that open discussions with social networks significantly influenced utilization of modern male FP methods. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health together with the healthcare facilities should strengthen supply chains to ensure a steady availability of affordable contraceptives, including free or subsidized options, with discreet collection points to increase accessibility. Lastly, Health workers/Family planning providers should increase awareness through educating men on lesser-known male contraceptive methods, such as vasectomy, to address existing knowledge gaps.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eSRH\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSexual and Reproductive Health\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eAFS\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdolescent-friendly services\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eFP\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFamily Planning\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eUDHS\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUganda Demographic and Health Survey\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eHIV\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHuman Immunodeficiency Virus\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eHIV/AIDS\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHuman Immune Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eSTIs\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSexually Transmitted Infections\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eUNFPA\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnited Nations Population Fund\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eWHO\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorld Health Organisation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eClinical trial number\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthical approval for this study was obtained from Makerere University School of Public Health Research and Ethics Committee (MAKSPH-REC) (Approval number \u003cb\u003e360\u003c/b\u003e). Administrative clearance was also secured from relevant local authorities prior to data collection. All procedures performed in this study were conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and applicable institutional guidelines for research involving human participants. Participants were adequately informed about the purpose of the study, procedures, voluntary participation and their right to refuse or withdraw from the study anytime.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study was not supported with funds from any organization or institution\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRDA designed the study. KP conceptualization of the analysis, KP \u0026amp; RDA analyzed the data. All authors interpreted the results. RDA \u0026amp; NN wrote the first draft of the manuscript. MC \u0026amp; MA contributed to the critical review \u0026amp; editing of the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe would like to acknowledge the study participants for their time and willingness to share their experiences despite their busy schedules, without which this study would not have been possible. Additionally, we are grateful to the research team, District Health Officer of Pakwach District and the community leaders for their invaluable cooperation and support during the data collection process.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available but upon reasonable request from corresponding authors, can be availed.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlias A, Mokti K, Azhar N, Mohamad Lotfi W, Hidrus WHN, Sidek Ahmad A, Zali ZNM, M. I. S R., Ibrahim MY. Assessing male involvement in family planning: A scoping review of prevalence and its associated factors. Med J Malay. 2025;80(5):642\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAventin \u0026Aacute;, Gordon S, Laurenzi C, Rabie S, Tomlinson M, Lohan M, Stewart J, Thurston A, Lohfeld L, Melendez-Torres GJ, Makhetha M, Chideya Y, Skeen S. Adolescent condom use in Southern Africa: Narrative systematic review and conceptual model of multilevel barriers and facilitators. BMC Public Health. 2021;21(1):1228. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11306-6\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1186/s12889-021-11306-6\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCCP and WHO. (2018). \u003cem\u003eWorld Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research (WHO/RHR) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs (CCP), Knowledge for Health Project. Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCostenbader E, Lenzi R, Hershow RB, Ashburn K, McCarraher DR. Measurement of Social Norms Affecting Modern Contraceptive Use: A Literature Review. Stud Fam Plann. 2017;48(4):377\u0026ndash;89. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1111/sifp.12040\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1111/sifp.12040\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDickinson P. (2021, May 26). \u003cem\u003eFather of eight receives free healthcare and family planning advice in rural Uganda\u003c/em\u003e. CHASE Africa. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.chaseafrica.org.uk/father-of-eight-receives-free-healthcare-and-family-planning-advice-in-uganda/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.chaseafrica.org.uk/father-of-eight-receives-free-healthcare-and-family-planning-advice-in-uganda/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdris H, Syafriyanti W. Trends and Determinants of Family Planning Utilization Among Men in Indonesia. Makara J Health Res. 2021;25(3). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.7454/msk.v25i3.1271\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.7454/msk.v25i3.1271\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMulatu T, Sintayehu Y, Dessie Y, Dheresa M. Male involvement in family planning use and associated factors among currently married men in rural Eastern Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med. 2022;10:20503121221094178. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1177/20503121221094178\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1177/20503121221094178\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNamasivayam A, Lovell S, Namutamba S, Schluter PJ. Predictors of modern contraceptive use among women and men in Uganda: A population-level analysis. 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Kampala, Uganda\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.unicef.org/uganda/media/16731/file/UDHS-2022-Report.pdf.pdf\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.unicef.org/uganda/media/16731/file/UDHS-2022-Report.pdf.pdf\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUganda Bureau of Statistcs. (2024). \u003cem\u003eNational Population and Housing Census 2024 Final Report Volume 1 Main\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnited Nations. (2019). \u003cem\u003eContraceptive Use by Method 2019: Data Booklet\u003c/em\u003e. UN. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.18356/1bd58a10-en\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.18356/1bd58a10-en\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHO. (2022, May 9). \u003cem\u003eA global study of men and women\u0026rsquo;s male contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using mixed methods\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.who.int/publications/m/item/global-study-men-and-women-male-contraceptive-knowledge-using-mixed-methods\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/global-study-men-and-women-male-contraceptive-knowledge-using-mixed-methods\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-health-services-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"bhsr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Health Services Research](http://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/BHSR/default.aspx","title":"BMC Health Services Research","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Family Planning services, modern male contraceptive use, Contraceptive utilization, Male involvement","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9168730/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9168730/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eIntroduction:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale involvement in family planning (FP) is essential to improving reproductive health outcomes, yet utilization of modern FP methods by men remains limited in many rural settings. In Uganda male contraceptive use is predominantly limited to condoms, with vasectomy uptake almost ineligible.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eObjective\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo assess the level of utilization to and factors influencing utilization of modern FP services among men 15\u0026ndash;54 years in Pakwach district.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethodology:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis cross-sectional study collected data from 302 men aged 15\u0026ndash;54 using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed in STATA 15 to identify the factors influencing utilization.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOut of 302 men interviewed, only 45.4% of the respondents reported condom use, and no participants reported vasectomy uptake. Factors associated with utilization of modern FP included comfort discussing FP with social networks (AOR: 4.85, 95% CI: 2.12\u0026ndash;11.56), access to modern FP (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09\u0026ndash;0.61), and family planning side effects (AOR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21\u0026ndash;0.92).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion and recommendations:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study reveals low utilization of modern FP among men in Pakwach. To enhance utilization, interventions should prioritize couple-based counseling, strengthening contraceptive supply chains to improve affordability and accessibility, and increasing awareness on lesser-known male contraceptive methods.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Utilization of modern Family Planning methods and associated factors among men aged 15- 54 years in Pakwach District Uganda: A Cross-sectional study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-05-04 20:18:53","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9168730/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"256570072641912724890263975683939160766","date":"2026-05-07T11:53:56+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"169933713419484989905602033559748395399","date":"2026-04-27T02:44:56+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-24T05:16:42+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-04-23T07:51:56+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-03-31T14:34:20+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-03-31T14:07:38+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Health Services Research","date":"2026-03-31T14:03:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-health-services-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"bhsr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Health Services Research](http://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/BHSR/default.aspx","title":"BMC Health Services Research","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"2602203c-366e-471f-aaf6-782fce0725ff","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 4th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"256570072641912724890263975683939160766","date":"2026-05-07T11:53:56+00:00","index":71,"fulltext":""}],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-05-04T20:18:53+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-05-04 20:18:53","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9168730","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9168730","identity":"rs-9168730","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}