Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Vasectomy among Married Men in Rural Area of Kheda District Gujarat: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: Sterilization is a permanent birth control method, with more couples opting for female sterilization. However, vasectomy is a safe, cost-effective, and simple alternative to tubal ligation. Despite its safety and effectiveness, vasectomy faces limited approval in developing countries like India due to gender biases, lack of access to facilities, and insufficient support. Efforts are needed to raise awareness and promote male sterilization, as its usage in India remains below 1 percent according to NFHS-5 data. Aims: The main aim of study is to assess knowledge and attitude regarding vasectomy among married men. Objectives: 1. Assess the knowledge and attitude regarding vasectomy among married men in selected rural area. 2. To correlate the knowledge and attitude regarding vasectomy among married men in rural area. 3. To associate the knowledge and attitude score with selected demographic variables men's. Methodology: A descriptive design was adopted for the study. The 100 married men were selected as a sample from Salun in Kheda District by the “Non-probability convenient sampling technique” was adopted in this study. The written setting permission was taken from the medical officer of PHC for data collection.  The prior consent from was also signed by the married men for the study. The tool for this study was created in three sections: Section A gathered socio-demographic data, Section B contained structural knowledge questionnaires, and Section C included a Likert attitude scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Frequency and percentage distribution were used to assess knowledge and demographic variables, while mean and standard deviation were employed to describe knowledge, attitude, and utilization related to vasectomy. The study used the Karl Pearson correlation method to examine relationships, and the Chi-square test was employed to determine associations between mean differences. Result: The demographic characteristics revealed that majority of participants 61% of the married men belongs to the age group of 31- 40 years, 92% of them were from the Hindu religion, 62% of them were belonged to the nuclear types of families. The Table also reveals that 48% of the participants have completed primary education. 30% of them had a monthly income between 5,000 to 10,000 rupees. 67% of participants had two living children. 66% of them reported having exposure to contraception. 47% of the participants any other group of occupation. 39% of majority of participants had been married for more than 11 years. It was also noted that the level of knowledge, the maximum attainable score was 20 and the participant’s knowledge scores range from 2 to 15. The Mean knowledge score is calculated to be 9.32, the standard deviation of 2.18. Conclusion: The study concluded that after the intervention, there was an improvement in knowledge and attitude regarding vasectomy among married men in rural areas of Kheda district. Data were collected from 100 married men using knowledge questionnaires, a Likert scale, and a utilization checklist. The findings indicated that the majority of married men had inadequate knowledge (51%), while 48% had moderate knowledge, and only 1% had adequate knowledge. In terms of attitude, 1% had an unfavorable attitude, 42% had a moderate favorable attitude, and 57% had a favorable attitude.