Health Implications of Male Education and Media Exposure on Contraceptive Behaviour in Sub-Saharan Africa

Michael, Turnwait Otu

doi:https://doi.org/10.61186/hsm.4.4.285

Volume 4, Issue 4 (November 2025) Health Science Monitor 2025, 4(4): 285-295 | Back to browse issues page

‎ https://doi.org/10.61186/hsm.4.4.285

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Michael T O. Health Implications of Male Education and Media Exposure on Contraceptive Behaviour in Sub-Saharan Africa. Health Science Monitor 2025; 4 (4) :285-295
URL: http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-256-en.html

Health Implications of Male Education and Media Exposure on Contraceptive Behaviour in Sub-Saharan Africa

Turnwait Otu Michael ^*

Department of Sociology, University of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract: (76 Views)

Background Male participation in contraceptive decision-making is increasingly recognised as a key determinant of reproductive health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, the pathways through which men’s education and media exposure shape male-reported contraceptive behaviour remain under-examined. This study strengthens the public health perspective by highlighting how male engagement contributes to improved reproductive health and supports progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on ensuring healthy lives.
Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using harmonised IPUMS-DHS datasets for 22,265 men aged 15–59 years in Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa. Survey weights were applied in all descriptive and multivariable analyses. Logistic regression models assessed the associations between education, exposure to newspapers/radio/television, and male-reported modern contraceptive use.
Results Overall, 25.7% of men reported current use of modern contraception. Higher educational attainment was strongly associated with use (aOR for higher education = 4.47; 95% CI: 3.68–5.43). Exposure to newspapers (aOR = 1.13), radio (aOR = 1.27), and television (aOR = 1.24) independently increased the likelihood of use. Substantial cross-country variations were observed, with South African men being over six times more likely to report contraceptive use than Nigerian men after adjusting for all covariates.
Conclusion Despite the positive influence of male education and media exposure, many well-educated men remain non-users, indicating a persistent behavioural gap with significant implications for public health systems. Strengthening male-focused reproductive health interventions and expanding culturally responsive media messaging are essential to reducing unintended pregnancies, lowering maternal morbidity, and advancing SDG 3 targets in SSA.

Keywords: Contraception, Education, Male involvement, Media exposure, Public health, Sub-Saharan Africa

Full-Text [PDF 394 kb] (34 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research Article | Subject: General
Received: 2025/07/18 | Accepted: 2025/10/26 | Published: 2025/11/19

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