Men’s perceptions, experiences, and attitudes towards their involvement in contraceptive decision-making in suburban settings: a systematic review of qualitative evidence

Effective contraceptive decision-making is central to achieving positive family planning (FP) outcomes, yet men’s involvement remains underexplored, particularly in suburban settings worldwide. Understanding men’s views is essential for fostering shared decision-making and improving contraceptive effectiveness. This systematic review aims to synthesise qualitative evidence on men’s perceptions, experiences, and attitudes towards their involvement in contraceptive decision-making in suburban settings, including the barriers and facilitators influencing their involvement. Methods This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42025642026). Studies published from 2015 to 2025 were eligible. Qualitative studies and qualitative components of mixed-methods studies exploring men’s perceptions, experiences, and attitudes towards contraceptive decision-making in suburban settings were included. Five databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and EBSCOHost) were searched. The seven included studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative research checklist. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis, with identified themes mapped onto the Social Ecological Model (SEM). Results Seven studies were included and identified multilevel barriers and facilitators to men’s involvement in contraceptive decision-making. These included individual beliefs and misconceptions, partner communication and relationship dynamics, sociocultural and gender norms, healthcare interactions, and access to family planning information. Men reported feeling excluded from family planning programmes, while education, supportive healthcare interactions, and effective communication were identified as facilitators of involvement. Preferences for discreet contraceptive methods were also reported. Conclusion This review highlights the multilevel factors influencing men's involvement in contraceptive decision-making in suburban settings. The findings suggest that context-specific, gender-inclusive strategies that promote informed decision-making, shared responsibility, male-friendly services, and women's reproductive autonomy may strengthen FP programs. Further research is needed to better understand how suburban contexts influence men's involvement relative to rural and urban settings. Trial registration PROSPERO registration: CRD42025642026.