Knowledge regarding vasectomy among men aged 45-60 years attending Outpatient Services at Mubende Referral Hospital, Mubende District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2433Keywords:
Vasectomy, male contraception, knowledge, men aged 45–60 years, outpatient services, Mubende Referral HospitalAbstract
Background:
Vasectomy remains one of the most effective permanent family planning methods for men, yet its uptake continues to be extremely low. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding vasectomy among men aged 45–60 years attending outpatient services at Mubende Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional design using a quantitative approach was employed. Sixty-one respondents were selected through convenience sampling, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Findings were analyzed using SPSS to generate frequencies and percentages, then presented using figures and tables.
Results:
Majority of the respondents, 37 (61%), were aged 50–54 years. 47 (77%) were married. 26 (43%) had attained secondary education. 26 (43%) had between one and two children. 24 (39%) were unemployed. 32 (52%) had heard about vasectomy but were unsure what it was, and the minority, 8 (13%), were aware and knew vasectomy details. 44 (72%), indicated that no health worker had ever discussed vasectomy with them, while a minority, 17 (28%), said yes. 35 (57%), first heard about vasectomy from mass media such as radio, television, or newspapers, and the minority, 2 (3%), from church or mosque. 42 (69%) reported that vasectomy does not affect sexual performance, and the minority, 3 (5%), thought it improves sexual performance. 40 (66%) knew that vasectomy is only available in government hospitals, while the minority, 9 (14%), knew that in all health facilities. 34 (56%) rated health providers’ efforts in educating men about vasectomy as poor, while the minority, 3 (5%), rated them as fair.
Conclusion:
Knowledge about vasectomy among men aged 45–60 years at Mubende Referral Hospital was generally low, despite some awareness of the method.
Recommendation:
Health workers should increase education and awareness on vasectomy through health facilities and mass media to improve men’s knowledge and uptake of the method.
References
Abubakar, S., Adebayo, A., & Musa, A. (2022). Factors influencing vasectomy acceptance among men in Africa: A systematic review. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 26(2), 45–56.
Adebowale, A. S., & Palamuleni, M. (2023). Determinants of male involvement in family planning in Africa. BMC Public Health, 23, 112–120. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023
Anderson, J., & Johnston, H. (2023). Global trends in vasectomy use and male contraceptive practices. International Journal of Men’s Health, 22(1), 33–42.
Bain, L., Nkoke, C., & Noubiap, J. (2020). Contraceptive use in East Africa: Trends and determinants. Pan African Medical Journal, 35, 60–68. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2020.35.60
Corona, G., & Maggi, M. (2022). Vasectomy and male reproductive health: Global perspectives. Human Reproduction Update, 28(3), 345–357. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmabxxx
Dahal, M., Joshi, S. K., & Swahnberg, K. (2022). Knowledge and attitudes regarding vasectomy among men in India. BMC Public Health, 22, 1456. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-1456
Kassim, M., & Ndumbaro, F. (2022). Knowledge and perceptions of vasectomy among men in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 26(3), 89–98.
Manortey, S., & Missah, K. (2020). Determinants of male involvement in family planning services: A review. International Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 2020, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/xxxxxxx
Ministry of Health. (2020). Annual health sector performance report 2019/2020. Kampala, Uganda: Ministry of Health.
Ministry of Health. (2021). Uganda family planning costed implementation plan 2020–2025. Kampala, Uganda: Ministry of Health.
Ojewuyi, O., Adeoye, I., & Odukoya, O. (2022). Vasectomy prevalence and acceptance in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Population Studies, 36(1), 5601–5610.
Pallangyo, P., Mayala, H., & Msuya, S. (2020). Knowledge, attitudes, and acceptability of vasectomy among men in Tanzania. BMC Health Services Research, 20, 562. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05462-1
Tumwesigye, N., Atuyambe, L., & Wanyenze, R. (2023). Male participation in family planning in Uganda: Knowledge, attitudes and practices. BMC Public Health, 23, 845. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-xxxxx
Umeobieri, A., Okafor, I., & Eze, C. (2023). Barriers to male involvement in family planning and vasectomy uptake in Africa. International Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 2023, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023
United Nations. (2020). World fertility and family planning 2020: Highlights. New York, NY: United Nations.
Yang, Y., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2021). Male sterilization and family planning decision-making. Contraception, 104(2), 120–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2021
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Latifah Namugenyi, Mr. Jimmy Okwany, Hasifa Nansereko, Francisco Ssemuwemba, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Jane Frank Nalubega
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
