Barriers to Male Involvement in Family Planning Services: Health Service Challenges in Musanze District, Northern Rwanda

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Male involvement in family planning (FP) is crucial for improving reproductive health outcomes, yet participation remains low in many Sub-Saharan African countries, including Rwanda. This study assessed the level of male involvement and identified health service-related barriers to FP service utilization among men in Musanze District, Northern Rwanda. <i>Methods: </i>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 married men aged 21 and above in Musanze District. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through pre-tested, interview-administered questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify health service-related factors associated with male involvement in FP. <i>Results:</i> The overall level of male involvement in FP services was low, at 36.7%. After adjusting for other variables, distance to a health facility was significantly associated with involvement. Men living more than 5 km from an FP service delivery point had 93% lower odds of being highly involved in FP compared to those living within 5 km (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.071; 95% CI: 0.009-0.579). <i>Conclusion: </i>Male involvement in FP services in Musanze district is low, with geographic distance to facilities being a major health service barrier. Interventions to increase male participation should include strategies to improve physical access to FP services, such as community-based service delivery and mobile clinics.