( Free chapters Guide for Nigerian students)

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1 Background to the study

The main objectives of the family planning services are to reduce the size of the family by methods that prevent pregnancy, to avoid pregnancies that are not wanted, to ensure pregnancies that are wanted, and to space pregnancies(Stephenson, Beke, and  Tshibangu 2020) . In spite of the numerous benefits of family planning in the socio-economic sphere, a great number of couples in Nigeria still do not utilize it. The Nigerian government and non-governmental organizations have, for a long time, aimed family planning at women, most likely because of the wish to prevent overpopulation, reduce maternal and infant deaths, and slow down population growth. However, the population explosion rate continues to be a problem that affects public health in Nigeria (Alemayehu 2019). If only, society knew that in comparison to female tubal ligation, vasectomy is safer, easier, more effective, and even less costly, yet it remains the least utilized method of contraception. The rate is too low and the occurrence of vasectomy uptake is less than 1% in sub-Saharan Africa, which comprises Nigeria. Based on the findings of some few studies, married males in Africa were found to have accepted vasectomy as a method of contraception between 1.6 and 26% of the times (Stephenson, Beke, and  Tshibangu 2020). Along with that, there is also a need for re-assessing the reasons and increasing the awareness of men. Owing to these cultural norms, males in underdeveloped countries are generally the ones who make decisions within the family, which includes the choice of what type of family planning should be used. Women have to bear the responsibility, and most men resent having to be involved in family planning issues. Among the alternatives that men in poor nations have is vasectomy, a procedure that is characterized as quick and easy, effective, having a very small probability of giving long-term negative side effects, and not lowering libido or sexual performance.

Knowledge and acceptance of vasectomy by married men at the University of Jos or any similar academic institutions are mostly a mix of awareness, cultural values, and family planning viewpoints. As a result of the social, cultural, and religious sectors, vasectomy a permanent method of male contraception might not be as familiar and acceptable as in many parts of Nigeria. ‘‘Still, there can be some differences in the exposure to medical information and the availability of family planning instruction within the university taking the University of Jos as an example. A number of men living in a place where vasectomy is used might have misconceptions about the procedure and its characters (Esselman 2022). Its reversibility, side effects, and impact on sexual performance may be people who are not properly informed. As vasectomy is non-reversible, men may view it as taking a drastic step if they are not given enough information, and thus the opinion may be partially shaped. But the males studying in university institutions may be more conversant with this occurrence since they are more likely to be exposed to a variety of health education.

Concerning acceptance, the marital relationship, number of children, and the extent of trust in the modern medical procedure practice are some of the factors that frequently influence the decision to have a vasectomy.. Behavioral values in society regarding reproduction and masculinity might have been the reason that there is a consistent antagonism, notably in Nigeria. Numerous men would probably struggle to accept the idea of getting a vasectomy as they tend to associate fertility with their manliness and stature as individuals. On the other hand, some people may worry about the possible side effects of lowering the sex drive and satisfaction of Sexual life. The men of University of Jos might become more willing to discuss contraception including vasectomy if the family planning program is part of the medical services or if the health outreach is vibrant. Broader cultural viewpoints like those related to traditional or religious teachings might still hinder full acknowledgment(Esselman 2022). It would in essence be a meditation on a number of lifestyles, occurrences of health information, educational level, marital status, and thoughts which might affect awareness and acceptance of vasectomy. Even so, the use of the method would have to conquer the cultural and social barriers that are still very strong, although the academic atmosphere might give a more relaxed place for such conversations. It is to this the study centres on Knowledge and Acceptance of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos

1.2  Statement Of The Problem

On the subject of the involvement of males in planning family size, knowledge, and acceptance of vasectomy by married men at the University of Jos, it remains a very important issue which is not sufficiently researched. Vasectomy, though very effective, is always met with a lot of misconceptions, cultural barriers, and lack of information, especially in an environment where the concepts of fertility and manliness are very traditional. What is more, many married men still are in the dark as to what the surgery is, its benefits, and its probable side effects, amid the increasing concern of shared responsibility in reproductive health. Apart from that, the interplay of culture, societal expectations, and myths about sex and masculinity may result in their choosing to accept vasectomy or not to use it as one of the contraceptive methods.

Reproductive health is one area where one would expect a greater exposure of material at the University of Jos, which is a school with a diverse student population. How much of this has led to married men and acceptance of vasectomy as a practical family planning method is not known. As well as a comprehension level of these men and knowledge, it is also necessary to identify the factors that influence their attitudes towards vasectomy. This is so because it is necessary to study the influence of peer pressure, the educational level and to what extent the couple are involved in the joint decision-making process in family planning.

Non-acceptance of the vasectomy and lack of proper knowledge about it may become a missed opportunity for more durable and effective methods of birth control especially the role of men in shared family planning decisions. The continued practice of the use of less efficient and more intrusive forms of contraception, which are usually for the female gender, may be the case if these issues are not sufficiently addressed. It is now necessary to asses married men on their knowledge and acceptability of vasectomy at the University of Jos to inform educational programs and public health interventions that take the gender-balanced family planning practices into account. It is to this the study will explore Knowledge and Acceptance of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos

1.3 Objectives of The Study

The objective of the study is to asses Knowledge and Acceptance of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos. Other specific objectives include:

i) To asses the Knowledge of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos

ii)To asses the Acceptance of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos

iii) To examine the factors that influence takes up of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos

1.4 Research questions 

i) What is the Knowledge of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos

ii) what is the level of  acceptance of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos

iii) To examine the factors that influence takes up of Vasectomy among Married Men in University of Jos

1.5 Hypothesis

H01: There is no impact of knowledge on acceptance of vasectomy among married men in University of Jos

1.6 Significance Of The Study

The study shows to be very important as it delves into the amount of knowledge and approval of vasectomy by married men at the University of Jos. The results would be very instrumental to medical personnel, health institutions, and society at large. This is especially so in overcoming false impressions, encouraging male participation in family planning, and raising the level of reproductive health...

To the Health Profession: Exploring men's knowledge, opinions, and awareness of vasectomy as a contraceptive will help the study increase the comprehension of how the public understands the topics of reproductive and public health. One of the ways that healthcare professionals may be helped is by what the study will reveal as reteachable areas of knowledge and potential cultural barriers that could change the mindset of men about vasectomy as a method of contraception. It will also be possible to identify suitable ways of communication and awareness strategies that may be effective in engaging male participation in reproductive health and achieving shared responsibility in family planning, through this research.

To Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers such as nurses, doctors, and counselors will be able to use the results to customize their communication and counseling methods in order to connect with male issues and clarify the wrong ideas that revolve around vasectomy. As a result, they will be able to establish a wider range of family planning services that are not only more effective but also culturally sensitive and more attractive to the male gender. The providers in the healthcare sector will avail themselves of the necessary tools to promote as well as to put into practice the use of male contraception as one of the comprehensive family planning programs..

To the Society: This research encourages the knowledge and acknowledgement of vasectomy as a contraceptive method, hence it helps the reduction of dependence on female contraception which is the main cause of the imbalance of gender equality in the area of reproductive responsibility. As a result, the practice of vasectomy will be widely accepted and will have a positive impact on population management, family welfare improvement as well as reduction of maternal health risks due to the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies. In the long run, this study becomes a strong support for the achievement of local and international health objectives concerning reproductive health, responsible parenthood, and sustainable development.

1.7 scope of the study

The Study Is Restricted to knowledge and acceptance of vasectomy among married men in University of Jos. The study will be delimited to men  at  of University of Jos. University of Jos (UNIBEN) is a university for research and is situated in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It is one of the federally-owned universities in Nigeria and was established in 1970. It now has two campuses with fifteen faculties and one central library known as John Harris Library. The buildings at UNIBEN, are spread out and the houses are not next to each other

1.8 Operational Definition Of Terms

  The following terms are define operationally as it was used in the study

KNOWLEDGE : Knowledge is a form of familiarity, awareness, understanding, or acquaintance. It often involves the possession of information learned through experience and can be understood as a cognitive success or an epistemic contact with reality, like making a discovery

 ACCEPTANCE: the act of accepting something or someone

VASECTOMY :  Vasectomy is a form of male birth control that cuts the supply of sperm to your semen. It's done by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm.

MARRIED MEN :  woman's partner in marriage. synonyms: hubby, husband.

                                                 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

3.3 POPULATION OF STUDY

3.4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE AND SAMPLE SIZE 

3.5 SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION

3.6 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT

3.7 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

3.8 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS