Abstract
INTRODUCTION: failure to involve men in the family planning programs in a male-controlled society as Ethiopia, has serious consequences even if women are interested to use contraception their husbands oppose them. Therefore, pointing men for contraceptive methods interventions may meaningfully increase contraceptive acceptance by the provision of information, education and communication. Thus, this study assessed prevalence of men participation in family planning utilization in Durame Town, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS: a community based cross-sectional study was employed. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Data was collected using pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done to describe the study population. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with participation of men in family planning. RESULTS: from 382 currently married men who were interviewed, 366 were responded to the questionnaires making the response rate of 96%. The mean age of the participants was 34 (± 6.1) years. Majority of the participants were Kembata 311 (85%) by ethnicity and Protestant 257 (70.2%) by religion. Regarding respondent's occupation about 153 (41.8%) were merchants and more than half of respondents´ monthly income was >2500 Ethiopian birr. The prevalence of male participation in family planning was 255 (69.7%). Men's participation in family planning was significantly associated with educational, number of currently living children, source of information, knowledge and attitude of the respondents. CONCLUSION: strategies and programs aimed at increasing contraceptive prevalence should appropriately address the involvement of males and integrating them use the contraceptive methods.