Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria
Abstract Introduction The utilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by males globally is significantly low despite their considerable sexual and reproductive health needs. This study aimed to understand the factors that influence the utilization of male sexual and reproductive hea...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21416-0 |
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| author | Nwamaka Alexandra Ezeonu Nkiru Nwamaka Ezeama Ijeoma Uchenna Itanyi Jane Nkolika Ezeonu Achunam Simeon Nwabueze |
| author_facet | Nwamaka Alexandra Ezeonu Nkiru Nwamaka Ezeama Ijeoma Uchenna Itanyi Jane Nkolika Ezeonu Achunam Simeon Nwabueze |
| author_sort | Nwamaka Alexandra Ezeonu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction The utilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by males globally is significantly low despite their considerable sexual and reproductive health needs. This study aimed to understand the factors that influence the utilization of male sexual and reproductive health SRH services. Methods We used an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design, with qualitative description to explore the perceptions of males (15-49years) on the utilization of male SRH services in Anambra State, Nigeria. In October 2021, 56 males participated in seven focus group discussions conducted across seven communities. The data were analysed by thematic analysis. A composite narrative was used to report the results. Results Males in both urban and rural areas of Anambra State preferred informal health facilities; male-focused health facilities and male health workers. The participants perceived services as costly; and criticized healthcare workers’ attitudes. Some rural areas had inadequate SRH facilities, staff and commodities. The participants exhibited varying levels of SRH awareness. Conclusion To improve male SRH service utilization, clinics should be more male-centric and cost-effective. Healthcare providers require retraining to offer patient-centered care. Additionally, ward development committees should advocate for better staffing and the availability of SRH commodities. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-41195fc8957b4da5b4aecc5d65534576 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-41195fc8957b4da5b4aecc5d655345762025-01-19T12:41:55ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-01-0125111310.1186/s12889-025-21416-0Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast NigeriaNwamaka Alexandra Ezeonu0Nkiru Nwamaka Ezeama1Ijeoma Uchenna Itanyi2Jane Nkolika Ezeonu3Achunam Simeon Nwabueze4Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching HospitalDepartment of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching HospitalIVAN Research Institute, University of NigeriaDepartment of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching HospitalDepartment of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching HospitalAbstract Introduction The utilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by males globally is significantly low despite their considerable sexual and reproductive health needs. This study aimed to understand the factors that influence the utilization of male sexual and reproductive health SRH services. Methods We used an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design, with qualitative description to explore the perceptions of males (15-49years) on the utilization of male SRH services in Anambra State, Nigeria. In October 2021, 56 males participated in seven focus group discussions conducted across seven communities. The data were analysed by thematic analysis. A composite narrative was used to report the results. Results Males in both urban and rural areas of Anambra State preferred informal health facilities; male-focused health facilities and male health workers. The participants perceived services as costly; and criticized healthcare workers’ attitudes. Some rural areas had inadequate SRH facilities, staff and commodities. The participants exhibited varying levels of SRH awareness. Conclusion To improve male SRH service utilization, clinics should be more male-centric and cost-effective. Healthcare providers require retraining to offer patient-centered care. Additionally, ward development committees should advocate for better staffing and the availability of SRH commodities.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21416-0UtilizationMaleSexual healthReproductive healthAnambra State |
| spellingShingle | Nwamaka Alexandra Ezeonu Nkiru Nwamaka Ezeama Ijeoma Uchenna Itanyi Jane Nkolika Ezeonu Achunam Simeon Nwabueze Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria BMC Public Health Utilization Male Sexual health Reproductive health Anambra State |
| title | Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria |
| title_full | Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria |
| title_fullStr | Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria |
| title_full_unstemmed | Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria |
| title_short | Factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services: a qualitative description of males in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria |
| title_sort | factors affecting utilization of male sexual and reproductive health services a qualitative description of males in anambra state southeast nigeria |
| topic | Utilization Male Sexual health Reproductive health Anambra State |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21416-0 |
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