Attitudes of Married Men Towards Family Planning: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis on the Impact of Gender Roles and Sociodemographic Factors

Aim: This study aims to examine the effects of gender role attitudes and sociodemographic factors on married men’s attitudes toward family planning and their use of modern contraceptive methods. Methods: A correlational and descriptive research design was employed. The study was conducted with 412 married men residing in Türkiye. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. Results: Structural equation modeling results indicated that egalitarian and marital gender role attitudes positively influenced family planning attitudes, whereas traditional masculine gender roles had a negative effect. Additionally, higher educational level increased both family planning attitudes and modern contraceptive use, while a higher number of children negatively affected these factors. Employment status played a mediating role by influencing family planning attitudes, which in turn indirectly shaped the use of modern contraceptive methods. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that men’s attitudes toward family planning are influenced by gender role attitudes and sociodemographic factors. These variables should be considered in the development of effective reproductive health policies. Keywords: contraception, mediation, nursing, gender role