Attitudes regarding vasectomy among men aged 45-60 years attending Outpatient Services at Mubende Referral Hospital, Mubende District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/ddt2rm16Keywords:
Male contraception, family planning, men aged 45–60 years, fear of vasectomy, misconceptions, Mubende Referral Hospital.Abstract
Background:
Attitudes toward vasectomy play an important role in influencing men’s acceptance and willingness to adopt the method as a family planning option. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the attitudes of men aged 45–60 years toward vasectomy at Mubende Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional design using a quantitative approach was employed. Sixty-one respondents were selected through convenience sampling, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Findings were analyzed using SPSS to generate frequencies and percentages, then presented using figures and tables.
Results:
The majority of the respondents, 37 (61%), were aged 50–54 years. 47 (77%) were married. 26 (43%) had attained secondary education. 26 (43%) had between one and two children. 24 (39%) were unemployed. 54 (89%) regarded vasectomy as unsafe/ineffective, while less than a quarter, 7 (11%), regarded it as very safe and effective. 31 (51%) thought vasectomy was a form of castration, and the minority, 2 (3%), were not sure. 41 (67%) said vasectomy is permanent and irreversible, while the minority, 8 (13%), believed it is reversible in most cases. 55 (90%) thought vasectomy should be considered by older men, whereas the minority, 2 (3%), said neither. 50 (82%) were extremely fearful of undergoing vasectomy, while the fewest, 4 (7%), were very comfortable.
Conclusion:
The study revealed generally negative attitudes toward vasectomy among men aged 45–60 years at Mubende Referral Hospital, characterized by fear, misconceptions, and beliefs that the procedure is unsafe or a form of castration.
Recommendation:
Health workers should strengthen education and counseling programs targeting men to address misconceptions and promote positive attitudes toward vasectomy as a safe and effective family planning method.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Latifah Namugenyi, Jimmy Okwany, Hasifah Nansereko, Francisco Ssemuwemba, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Jane Frank Nalubega
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