Male characteristics and contraception in four districts of the central region, Ghana

Background A lack of male involvement in contraception can negatively affect its practice. To promote male participation in family planning, there is a dire need to understand male attributes that play a role in contraception. This study focuses on the male characteristics that influence the practice of traditional and modern methods of contraception. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of quantitative data obtained from the baseline assessment of the Ghana Community-Based Action Teams Study that aimed to prevent violence against women in the Central Region of Ghana in 2016. The analysis included 1742 partnered males aged 18–60 years. Chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between male characteristics and the practice of contraception (significance level = 0.05). Results The prevalence of contraception was 24.4% (95% CI = 20.8–28.5). Significant male characteristics that were positively associated with the practice of contraception in adjusted models were: post-primary education (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.27–3.04), perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.49–2.26), and the number of main sexual partners (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.15–2.75). However, wanting the first child (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.54–0.94) and male controlling behaviour (AOR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.49–0.99) statistically significantly associated with reduced odds of practicing contraception. Conclusion Male partner characteristics influence the practice of contraception. Family planning sensitization and education programs should target males who are less likely to practice contraception.