Abstract:
Background: Vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception supporting men in family
planning. Perry et. al. (2016) found the worldwide use of vasectomy was lower (2.4%) than
tubal ligation (19.2%). Vasectomy is a safe surgical procedure using local anesthesia versus
tubal ligation and general anesthesia.
Rwanda Ministry of Health (MOH) (2012) strategic plan highlighted the underutilization of
vasectomy. Barriers to vasectomy include negative attitudes in males in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Pupose/Aim: Determine Knowledge and attitudes towards vasectomy among men in a
selected District of the Eastern Province of Rwanda
Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative descriptive design was used. A total number of 390
participants from a selected Administrative District were selected using a systematic sampling
strategy. A validated questionnaire in African countries (olayinka et.al.2013) was used. Data
were analyzed using SPSS, Version 20. Univariate, bivariate correlational and multivariate
analyses were performed.
Results : Most participants were ranging from 31-39 years old (43,1%), catholic by
religion(58.7%),farmers(54.6%) and respondents with primary education(42.3%).The study
findings identified barriers such as lack of evidence based knowledge, religious factors, and
low educational status as primary barriers influencing increased negative attitudes and rumors
limiting the utilization of vasectomy. Participants (56.9%) viewed vasectomy as
castration,while the odds of accepting vasectomy correlated with religion (Catholic Odds
Ratio =0.451, 95% CI=0.02- 0.854, P. value< 0.040).Approving that men should be primarily
responsible for decision making on family planning method to utilize increases with academic
attainment and vice versa(secondary OR=2.937, 95%CI=1.647-6.286 ,P.value < 0.011),
(university level OR=3.456, 95%CI=2.242-8.445,P.value=0.014.).
Conclusion: Vasectomy is misconceived and underutilized, thus is associated with negative
attitudes and rumors limiting its usage among men. Therefore there is a need for a
community-based educational program development. It is recommended to specifically
include vasectomy in existing family planning educational programs. Furthermore,
Vasectomy services need to be decentralized to primary health care facilities.
