Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among men in Pakistan: Evidence from Pakistan demographic and health survey 2017-18

Objective The role of men in family planning is critical in patriarchal societies like Pakistan. The objective of this study is to explore the predictors of modern contraceptive use among Pakistani men. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of Pakistan demographic and health survey (PDHS) 2017-18 data. The study sample consists of 3691 ever married men aged 15-49 years. Pearson's chi square test and logistic regression were used to find out the determinants of modern contraceptive use among men. Data analysis was carried out in December, 2020. Results Findings of logistic regression showed that men who were uneducated (aOR = 0.746; 95% CI = 0.568-0.980), residing in Sindh (aOR = 0.748; 95% CI = 0.568-0.985), Baluchistan (aOR = 0.421; 95% CI = 0.280-0.632) or FATA (aOR 0.313; 95% CI 0.176-0.556) and those who belonged to the poorest wealth quintile (aOR = 0.569; 95% CI = 0.382-0.846) were less likely to use modern contraceptives. Men who did not wish for another child (aOR = 2.821; 95% CI = 2.305-3.451) had a higher likelihood of modern contraceptive use. Finally, men who thought that contraception was women's business (aOR = 0.670; 95% CI = 0.526-0.853) and those who did not discuss family planning with health worker (aOR = 0.715; 95% CI = 0.559-0.914) were also less likely to use modern contraceptives. Conclusion Reproductive health education of males, targeting males, in addition to, females for addressing family planning issues and improvement of family planning facilities in socioeconomically under-privileged regions are suggested to improve contraceptive use among couples.

Automated summary

The study explores the predictors of modern contraceptive use among Pakistani men, finding that low education, residence, economic status, and attitudes towards contraception are influential factors. It is suggested to improve contraceptive use by providing reproductive health education targeted at males and improving family planning facilities in socioeconomically underprivileged regions.