OMOKHEGBELE SUCCESS AISOSA

Despite the availability and effectiveness of vasectomy as a permanent method of male contraception, its acceptance remains low in many developing countries, including Nigeria. Misconceptions, cultural norms, and religious beliefs significantly hinder its uptake. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of vasectomy among male staff at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 278 male staff across different departments of UBTH. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to interpret the results. The study revealed that only 41% of respondents had good knowledge of vasectomy, with a
grand mean score of 1.4, indicating a generally poor understanding. Attitudes were predominantly negative, with 56% expressing unfavourable views and a mean attitude score of 2.1. Acceptance of vasectomy was also low, as only 38% indicated willingness to consider the procedure. Cultural and religious beliefs, fear of complications, perceived threats to masculinity, and misinformation about the procedure were identified as major barriers to acceptance. Despite working in a healthcare setting, many respondents held misconceptions about vasectomy’s effects on sexual performance and health. The study found poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and low acceptance of vasectomy among male staff at UBTH. These findings underscore the persistence of cultural, religious, and psychological barriers even within educated, medically-inclined populations. Targeted health education interventions are urgently needed to dispel myths, address cultural concerns, and promote accurate information about vasectomy among healthcare workers. Empowering male staff with correct knowledge could enhance their role as advocates for male involvement in family planning.

Despite the availability and effectiveness of vasectomy as a permanent method of male contraception, its acceptance remains low in many developing countries, including Nigeria. Misconceptions, cultural norms, and religious beliefs significantly hinder its uptake. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of vasectomy among male staff at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 278 male staff across different departments of UBTH. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to interpret the results. The study revealed that only 41% of respondents had good knowledge of vasectomy, with a grand mean score of 1.4, indicating a generally poor understanding. Attitudes were predominantly negative, with 56% expressing unfavourable views and a mean attitude score of 2.1. Acceptance of vasectomy was also low, as only 38% indicated willingness to consider the procedure. Cultural and religious beliefs, fear of complications, perceived threats to masculinity, and misinformation about the procedure were identified as major barriers to acceptance. Despite working in a healthcare setting, many respondents held misconceptions about vasectomy’s effects on sexual performance and health. The study found poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and low acceptance of vasectomy among male staff at UBTH. These findings underscore the persistence of cultural, religious, and psychological barriers even within educated, medically-inclined populations. Targeted health education interventions are urgently needed to dispel myths, address cultural concerns, and promote accurate information about vasectomy among healthcare workers. Empowering male staff with correct knowledge could enhance their role as advocates for male involvement in family planning