Psychosocial factors and male sterilization

ABSTRACT

To study the demographic profile of vasectomy clients and the psychosocial factors motivating them to be sterilized. One hundred fifty clients attending Reproductive Health Services Center [RHSC] Vasectomy Unit Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore were interviewed using a specifically constructed interview form. The form was developed on the basis of items generated through Focused Group Discussions [FGDs] with vasectomy clients. The investigators themselves conducted the interviews at Department of Psychiatry, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. Mean age of the sample was 36.13 years. Out of the total sample 62% were illiterate. Majority of clients were employed temporarily as laborers [i.e. 52.7%] and unskilled workers [i.e.15%]. Eighty nine percent of the clients were earning less than Rs. 4000/- per month. Financial reasons were the main motivating factor to go for vasectomy. About 63% of clients reported that they had never tried any other contraceptives. Twenty seven percent reported a history of extra marital or premarital sexual relationships. Sixty one clients were involved in drugs and out of them 57% had no specific hobby and would spend their leisure time at home. The results indicate that majority of the sample belongs to low socio-economic class. They were mostly illiterate, employed as laborers or unskilled workers. Economical constraints came out as the basic motivating factor for decision of male sterilization