Men as equal partners in reproductive health: what are their own perspectives and roles? A case of Tanzania

Esther W. Dungumaro, University of Dar es Salaam

Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo (1994) and the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing there has been an increasing consensus on the importance of involving men in reproductive health care. However, males own perspective on their involvement in reproductive health remains largely unexplored. In-depth interviews and focus group discussion to collect qualitative data, while questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data. Furthermore, six health facilities (two from each of the three districts of Dar es Salaam City) were selected for the study. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine independent correlates to male perception and their involvement in reproductive health. Preliminary findings show male's perception of their involvement in reproductive health means fertility and child support. However, a certain percentage indicated they feel ignored by health care providers and hence find no space and business in issues of reproductive health.