The DHS Program

Men's Reproductive Health: Findings from the Demographic and Health Surveys, 1995-2004 (English) 

Document Type

Comparative Reports

Publication Topic(s)

Fertility and Fertility Preferences, Gender, Wealth/Socioeconomics

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Johnson, Kiersten, and Yuan Gu. 2009. Men's Reproductive Health: Findings from the Demographic and Health Surveys, 1995-2004. DHS Comparative Reports No. 17. Calverton, Maryland, USA: ICF Macro.

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Publication Date

June 2009

Publication ID

CR17

Abstract:

This report documents both socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of male respondents to the DHS surveys, as well as male attitudes, preferences, and behaviors relating to contraception, fertility, and health in 40 developing countries. This report shows large regional variations in the reproductive preferences and behavior of men for both ever-married men and never- married men. A key finding of this report is that in all countries, never-married men (mostly youth age 15-24) are far more likely to know about modern contraceptive methods (particularly condoms) than to engage in sexual activity. This combination of knowledge and behavior suggests that there is currently a good foundation for youth-focused family planning and sexual health programs in most countries. Another contribution of this report is its analysis of key indicators by the wealth index. While the relationship between wealth and outcomes of interest is typically in the expected direction, the tables presented here allow for a closer investigation of the gradients of inequality for each outcome. For example, the variation in knowledge of contraceptive methods among never-married men by the wealth index is minimal in Malawi but considerable in Guinea. These results are useful in identifying subpopulations that would obtain the most benefit from programmatic interventions. In addition, the report present comparable data on men’s attitudes about gender roles, men’s communication with their spouses about important health issues, data on men’s health-related behaviors regarding their own health, and men’s knowledge of child health issues.