Assessing male involvement in family planning: A scoping review of prevalence and its associated factors

Abstract

Introduction: Family planning (FP) is a key component of the Safe Motherhood Program, aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. Male involvement in FP is increasingly recognized as essential for improving reproductive health outcomes through shared decisionmaking and spousal collaboration. This scoping review aimed to assess the prevalence of male involvement in family planning and identify the factors that influence their participation.

Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted in ProQuest, PubMed, and Scopus for peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. Eligible studies reported on the prevalence and determinants of male involvement in FP. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data. Findings were synthesised descriptively and thematically.

Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Reported male involvement in FP varied widely, ranging from 8.4% to 80%. Key influencing factors included education level, access to FP information, number of children, spousal communication, and attitudes towards contraception. Barriers included cultural norms, limited male-targeted services, and misconceptions about FP.

Conclusion: Male involvement in family planning remains inconsistent across regions. Targeted educational and community-based interventions are essential to enhance men's engagement in reproductive health and improve FP outcomes.