Health System and Nursing Strategies for Enhancing Male Participation in Family Planning: Evidence from Tema General Hospital, Ghana.

Abstract

This study examines the role of the health system, particularly nursing interventions, in enhancing male participation in family planning (FP) at Tema General Hospital (TGH), Ghana. Male engagement in Family Planning remains limited despite increased awareness and service availability. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 male community members and 10 Family Planning staff. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and service records from 2015 to 2017. Results showed that while awareness levels were high (95%), only 21% of men had ever visited a Family Planning clinic. Nursing interventions such as health education, couple counseling, and prioritization of men during service delivery improved participation but were constrained by resource limitations, staff shortages, and cultural attitudes. The study underscores the importance of integrating male-focused strategies into Family Planning programs and strengthening nursing capacity for gender-inclusive reproductive health services.