Personal and Social Drivers of Contraceptive Use among Sexually Active Igbo Men in Enugu State, Nigeria

Despite worldwide initiatives aimed at enhancing reproductive health, many men continue to grapple with personal beliefs and societal pressures that affect their contraceptive practices. Recognizing these influences is essential for creating interventions that promote informed and shared responsibility in family planning. This study sought to evaluate the personal and social factors affecting contraceptive use among sexually active Igbo men through a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Conducted in Enugu State, Nigeria, the research focused on married men aged 25 to 65, selecting a sample of 428 participants using a four-stage sampling method. Data was gathered through a researcher-designed questionnaire, which demonstrated a validated Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.82. The questionnaire covered demographic details, personal factors, and social influences. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation), with a mean cutoff of 2.5 indicating significant factors. Findings revealed that the main personal motivator for contraceptive use was a preference for methods that do not require daily attention (2.55?1.09). Other factors, considered less important, included future plans and goals (2.45?1.06) and concerns about potential side effects (2.41?0.99). The key social factors, also below the cutoff, were a spouse's aversion to contraceptives (2.46?1.01) and stigma (2.46?0.99). The study advocates for reproductive health programs that promote easily accessible, low-maintenance contraceptive options and couple-oriented counseling to improve communication between partners. Additionally, it recommends focused campaigns to dispel myths about side effects and lessen the stigma associated with contraceptive use.