Fertility Limitation among Men in Rural Kenya

Findings are reported from a survey conducted in 1967 on knowledge attitudes and practice concerning family size among ever-married males ages 15-64 years in rural Kenya. Interview data indicate that a large percentage of men are aware of the economic pressures of large families; however their real and ideal family sizes remain high (about 6) and only a small minority possess any knowledge of contraceptive methods. Nonetheless there are some indications that knowledge of fertility limitation methods is spreading among younger men as evidenced by the lower average age of men who reported knowing about such modern methods of contraception as the pill IUD condom and sterilization. Only 11% of the men interviewed reported experience with contraceptives; nearly 75% reported the absence of any experience with contraceptives. Therefore if there is a trend toward greater contraceptive use in rural Kenya the proportions of the movement are small. It is much more likely that at present there is insufficient information available in rural Kenya to either encourage family planning or even to recommend to the men that their fertility values should be changed. It is concluded that Kenyas fledgling national family planning program must launch a much more intensive program of activities to have a marked impact on reducing the rate of population growth.