Male Involvement in Family Planning: Contraceptive Use and Fertility Awareness among Tribal Men in Odisha

Abstract

Background: Tribal areas in India have historically lacked development, leading to persistent inequalities in health outcomes, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. Despite ongoing family planning efforts, low rates of contraception usage are still seen among tribal populations. According to the NFHS 5 (2019–21), overall, 49% of women in Odisha are using contraception, while the percentage is much lower among the tribal. This discrepancy raises questions regarding awareness, accessibility, and men’s participation in family planning.
Objectives: This study aims to explore the knowledge and usage patterns of contraception among Odisha’s tribal males.
Methods: Based on NFHS 5 data, the study was based on a sample of 3865 tribal men from Odisha. Bivariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to assess district-level variations, method preferences, information sources, and fertility cycle knowledge.
Findings: In Odisha, 31.36% of tribal men and their partners are using any contraceptive methods, with Anugul district the highest (47%) and lowest in Nuapada district (22%). Around 3% are male methods, such as 0.21% male sterilization and 3.03% male condom, respectively. It was also found that around one-fifth of the tribal men and their partners were using the traditional method. About 38% of men were aware of the contraceptive methods through media like radio, TV, and newspapers. Regarding knowledge about the fertility period of their partner, only 17% of the men were aware of the fertile period after delivery, before the return of menstruation.
Implications: These findings highlight the critical gaps in male engagement and reproductive health understanding among tribal males in Odisha, underscoring the urgent need for culturally responsive and male-inclusive family planning programs.