. The aim of this study was to determine men’s perceptions about
family planning and how they participate or wish to participate in family
planning activities in Mpigi District, central Uganda. Four focus group
discussions were conducted with married men and with family planning
providers from both the government and private sector. In addition, seven
key informants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The
results indicate that men have limited knowledge about family planning, that
family planning services do not adequately meet the needs of men, and that
spousal communication about family planning issues is generally poor.
However, almost all men approved of modern family planning and expressed
great interest in participating. The positive change of the beliefs and attitudes
of men towards family planning in the past years has not been recognized by
family planning programme managers, since available services are not in line
with current public attitudes. A more couple-oriented approach to family
planning is needed. Measures could include, for example, recruiting males as
family planning providers, offering more family planning counselling for
couples, and promoting female-oriented methods with men and vice versa.