COMMUNITY INFLUENCES ON ATTITUDE OF MALES TOWARD FAMILY PLANNING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Family planning programs require male involvement to succeed. However, men's attitudes towards family planning remain a significant obstacle in Nigeria. This paper examines the peer and community influence on male attitudes towards family planning in Nigeria. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was adopted as the theoretical framework. This paper also explores the existing body of research on peer and community influence on male attitude towards family planning in Nigeria. The argument presented is grounded in a comprehensive review of relevant articles and publications. Majority of the literature reviewed, highlight the importance of peer and community influence in shaping men's perceptions and behaviors related to family planning, and identifies key factors that impact male engagement in family planning services. These socio-cultural factors are, religious belief and patriarchal system, myths and misconceptions, levels of educational attainment, economic consideration and spousal communication, The findings underscore the need for Policy makers to leverage the role of respected leaders in community advocacy by engaging the men in family planning, campaign targeted interventions that engage men and their communities to foster positive attitudes towards family planning.