Knowledge and Perception Towards Family Planning Utilization Among Males of Reproductive Age in Imo State

Family planning utilization among males remains an important reproductive health issue in Nigeria, as poor knowledge, misconceptions, and limited male involvement may affect contraceptive use. This study assessed knowledge and perception towards family planning utilization among males of reproductive age in Imo State, Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 630 males selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, logistic regression, propensity score matching, and inequality analysis. The prevalence of family planning utilization was 67.14% (95% CI: 63.37-70.71). Respondents who utilized family planning had a higher proportion of positive perception than those who did not. Good knowledge was significantly associated with family planning utilization, with respondents having good knowledge more likely to utilize family planning services (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.19-2.92; p = 0.006). Respondents with tertiary education also had higher odds of family planning utilization compared with those with primary education or less (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.27-4.86; p = 0.008). The unmatched results revealed that males exposed to good knowledge had a higher mean knowledge score (7.42) compared to those not exposed to good knowledge (5.24), with a mean difference of 2.18 (SE = 0.17, t = 12.94). After matching, the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) showed that males exposed to good knowledge had a higher mean knowledge score (7.43) compared to their matched unexposed counterparts (5.30), with a mean difference of 2.13 (SE = 0.17, t = 12.64). The study concludes that knowledge and educational attainment are important factors in family planning utilization among males in Imo State. Strengthening male-focused health education, improving access to accurate reproductive health information, and promoting male involvement in family planning are recommended to improve utilization.