Hope for the best, prepare for the worst: male partner involvement in modern family planning and its effect on women’s mental health in Northern Ghana – a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Family planning is essential in promoting reproductive health and improving overall well-being. However, male involvement in modern family planning remains relatively low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and limited male participation has been associated with challenges in women’s mental health due to lack of partner support. To determine the level of male partner involvement in modern family planning utilization and its effect on women’s mental health in the Northern Region of Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected from 1,684 respondents via structured questionnaires and the DASS-21 scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, were performed using STATA v17. The study found that 68.2% of males were not involved in family planning, with 501 (29.8%) reporting good mental health. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that women aged 31–45 years were 57% less likely to have male partner involvement in family planning compared to those in the 18–25 age group (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.01–0.51, p = 0.001). Women who reported societal beliefs hindering male partner participation in family planning had 60% lower odds of their partner being involved (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.23–1.06, p = 0.005). Women with tertiary education were twice as likely to have male partner involvement compared to those with JHS/Middle school education (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.20–4.54, p = 0.000). Also women whose partners were not involved in family planning had 12.3 times higher odds of reporting poor mental health compared to those whose partners were involved (AOR = 12.3, 95% CI: 6.1-14.34, p = 0.000). This study found low male involvement in modern family planning utilization. Factors such as age, education, employment, and cultural beliefs were identified as influencing male participation in family planning. Increased male involvement contributes positively to women’s mental well-being. These findings underline the need for greater engagement of male partners in family planning programs and emphasize the importance of supporting women’s mental health through improved communication and collaborative healthcare practices. Integrating mental health support into family planning programs and implementing community-based approaches can enhance male participation in reproductive health.