A study about perceptions, attitude, and knowledge among men toward vasectomy in Bangalore rural population

Background: The National Family Welfare Program was launched in India in the year 1952. Although a range of contraceptive measures are provided by the Government at free of cost, women-oriented contraceptive measures only took the center stage and gained acceptance over the male contraceptive methods. Vasectomy (nonscalpel vasectomy) technique was introduced in India in 1992 to increase male participation in family planning. However, it has failed to get adequate momentum and to achieve its goal, despite being a simple and safe method. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3, the current acceptance of nonscalpel vasectomy in India has decreased from 1.9% to 1% in NFHS-2. Objective: To understand the perceptions and attitude in the rural men population. Materials and Methods: This study is a community-based, cross-sectional study carried out in Nandagudi, where the Rural Health Training Center of MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital is located. The study was carried out from July 2014 to November 2014. The study population comprised all the men who were aged older than 20 years to 60 years. The study was done by interview technique using pretested and predesigned questionnaire. Data were collected and analyzed. Results: Totally, 215 men were included in our study. Half (52%) of the study population belonged to 31 to 40 years age group while majority were Hindu (62%)and from socioeconomic statuses II and III. Of the married men, only one man had undergone vasectomy although 82% had heard about vasectomy; 17% men were willing to accept vasectomy as a choice of contraception after repeated counseling sessions. The reasons for nonacceptance were very much similar to other studies done previously. Conclusion: The myths and the attitude of men toward vasectomy can only be changed by intensive IEC and health education. It should be enforced and reinforced.