INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
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Health System and Nursing Strategies for Enhancing Male
Participation in Family Planning: Evidence from Tema General
Hospital, Ghana.
Kate Arku Korsah.
Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000158
Received: 20 October 2025; Accepted: 26 October 2025; Published: 06 November 2025
ABSTRACT
This study examines the role of the health system, particularly nursing interventions, in enhancing male
participation in family planning (FP) at Tema General Hospital (TGH), Ghana. Male engagement in Family
Planning remains limited despite increased awareness and service availability. A descriptive cross-sectional
study was conducted involving 100 male community members and 10 Family Planning staff. Data was collected
through structured questionnaires, interviews, and service records from 2015 to 2017. Results showed that while
awareness levels were high (95%), only 21% of men had ever visited a Family Planning clinic. Nursing
interventions such as health education, couple counseling, and prioritization of men during service delivery
improved participation but were constrained by resource limitations, staff shortages, and cultural attitudes. The
study underscores the importance of integrating male-focused strategies into Family Planning programs and
strengthening nursing capacity for gender-inclusive reproductive health services.
Keywords: male participation, nursing interventions, family planning, Ghana, health system.
INTRODUCTION
Family planning (FP) is a cornerstone of public health and sustainable development, contributing to reduced
maternal mortality, improved child health, and economic stability (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019).
Despite its proven benefits, male participation in Family Planning programs across Sub-Saharan Africa remains
low (Vouking et al., 2014). In Ghana, Family Planning programs traditionally target women, often excluding
men from education, counseling, and decision-making processes (Ghana Statistical Service [GSS], 2022).
Nurses play a pivotal role in Family Planning service delivery, as they are often the first point of contact for
clients. Their attitudes, counseling approaches, and engagement methods significantly influence male
involvement (Adongo et al., 2006). However, institutional barriers such as inadequate staffing, lack of male-
friendly facilities, and cultural perceptions that Family Planning is a woman’s responsibility continue to impede
progress (Ezeh et al., 2020).
This study assesses the role of nursing and health care system strategies in promoting male Family Planning
participation at Tema General Hospital. It identifies both effective practices and systemic challenges, offering
recommendations for strengthening male-inclusive reproductive health interventions.
METHODS
Study Design and Setting
A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. The study was conducted at Tema General Hospital (TGH), a
major referral facility in the Greater Accra Region. The Family Planning unit at TGH provides a range of
contraceptive services, health education, and counseling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
Page 1889
www.rsisinternational.org
Study Population and Sampling
Participants included 100 male community members and 10 Family Planning unit staff (comprising nurses,
midwives, and health educators). Convenience sampling was used to select participants who were available
during the study period.
Data Collection
Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires for men, interview guides for staff, and service
records from 2015–2017. The questionnaires explored awareness, participation, and perceptions of Family
Planning service quality. Staff interviews focused on strategies used to engage men and the challenges
encountered.
Data Analysis
Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 2.0 and presented as frequencies and percentages.
Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and integrated into the discussion.
Ethical Considerations
Approval was obtained from the Committee on Human Research, Publication, and Ethics (CHRPE). Written
informed consent was obtained from participants. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained.
RESULTS
Male Awareness and Participation
Out of 100 men surveyed, 95% had heard about Family Planning, but only 21% had visited a Family Planning
clinic. Among those who attended, 47.6% did so with their wives. The majority cited time constraints, shyness,
and limited male contraceptive options as reasons for non-participation.
Table 1: Male Awareness and Participation in Family Planning
Variable
Frequency (n=100)
Percentage (%)
Heard about FP
95
95
Ever visited FP clinic
21
21
Attended with partner
10
47.6
Believe FP benefits men
82
82
Nursing and Health System Strategies
Nursing interventions identified included health education sessions, couple-based counseling, and prioritization
of male clients during service hours. Staff reported using peer advocacy, health talks at workplaces, and follow-
up phone calls to sustain male engagement.
Table 2: Key Nursing Strategies Used to Engage Men in Family Planning
Strategy
Frequency Reported (n=10)
Percentage (%)
Health talks during clinic sessions
10
100
Couple counseling
8
80
Male prioritization during visits
6
60
Workplace FP education
5
50
Follow-up via phone
4
40
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
Page 1890
www.rsisinternational.org
Institutional Challenges
Nurses highlighted several challenges: inadequate staff (70%), lack of male-focused Family Planning options
(60%), cultural resistance (50%), and poor funding (40%). The absence of male role models among Family
Planning staff further limited outreach.
Figure 1: Institutional Challenges Affecting Male Family Planning Involvement (Adapted from staff interviews
showing constraints in manpower, resources, and cultural acceptance.)
Trends in Male Family Planning Attendance
Clinic records showed gradual increases in male attendance—596 in 2015, 660 in 2016, and 695 in 2017. Staff
attributed this rise to enhanced counseling and education efforts led by nursing personnel.
Table 3: Male Attendance at Family Planning Clinics, 2015–2017
Year
Male Attendance
2015
596
2016
660
2017
695
DISCUSSION
Role of Nursing in Male FP Engagement
The study confirms that nurses are central to improving male Family Planning participation. Through counseling
and targeted education, nurses foster trust and dispel myths. Similar findings in Uganda and Kenya emphasize
the impact of nursing-led Family Planning interventions (Kabagenyi et al., 2014; Lasee & Becker, 2018).
Couple counseling was particularly effective in Tema General Hospital, as it encouraged joint decision-making
and mutual understanding. Men who attended family planning clinic with their partners were more likely to
return for follow-up visits. This aligns with WHO (2019) recommendations for couple-centered reproductive
health care.
Institutional and Systemic Barriers
The study identified systemic challenges that limit effective nursing care in Family Planning, including
understaffing, limited training on male-focused Family Planning, and inadequate educational materials. Family
Planning units often lack privacy for male clients, reinforcing the perception that Family Planning services
exclusively cater for women. Health system reforms are needed to address these structural gaps.
Cultural Influences
Cultural expectations remain a strong determinant of male family Planning involvement. Many men in Tema
perceive Family Planning as a woman’s domain, and male engagement may be viewed as a weakness or
submission. Nurses, as community educators, can play a vital role in reshaping these narratives by involving
community and religious leaders in outreach.
Policy Implications
Findings highlight the need for national Family Planning policies to explicitly include male participation
indicators. The Ghana Health Service should strengthen gender-sensitive training for nurses and expand Family
Planning programs to include vasectomy and condom promotion campaigns targeting men.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
Page 1891
www.rsisinternational.org
CONCLUSION
Nursing and health system strategies have a significant impact on promoting male Family Planning participation
in Ghana. The commitment of nurses at Tema General Hospital to deliver inclusive services have contributed to
a gradual increase in male attendance. However, persistent cultural, institutional, and resource challenges
continue to limit progress. Strengthening nursing capacity, expanding Family Planning options for men, and
promoting culturally sensitive education are essential for sustainable change.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Capacity Building: Train nurses and midwives on gender-sensitive Family Planning counseling and
male engagement techniques.
2. Male-Friendly Services: Establish separate consultation spaces or dedicated service hours for men at
Family Planning clinics.
3. Policy Integration: Include male involvement metrics in Ghana’s reproductive health monitoring and
evaluation systems.
4. Community Collaboration: Engage male champions and religious leaders to promote positive Family
Planning narratives.
5. Resource Mobilization: Allocate budgetary support for outreach, logistics, and Family Planning
education targeting men.
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