Male Involvement in Reproductive Health in Tharu Community (A Case Study of Madhesha V.D.C Ward No. 2 Sunsari District)

Abstract

This study is based on the primary data obtained from field survey of 92 respondents from Tharu Community Madhesha VDC Ward no. 2 of Sunsari District for interview. Only married males aged 15-49 years were selected from interview. This is descriptive type of study designed to explore the information on male involvement in reproductive health in Tharu community. Major four components of Reproductive Health i) Family planning ii) Maternal health iii) Infertility and iv) STDs and HIV/AIDS were included in the study. Highest percentage of the respondents were found in age group 25-29. All of the respondents were currently married. Majority of the respondents were illiterate (42.2%). Agriculture was the major occupation of the respondents. Although the majority of respondents (72.8%) have heard about family planning, this is much lower compared to the national figure of universal knowledge. Female methods were the popular methods of family planning methods. In many cases of family planning such as use of contraceptive, males were found co-operative. Male involvement in maternal health was comparatively poor in Tharu community. The practice of ANC and PNC service was relatively poor. Interestingly, the popularity of nuclear family has made some improvements over the past conditions of Tharu women. Knowledge of infertility was not adequate and accurate in Tharu but many of them were in favour of treatment in case of infertility in either of spouse whereas some reported to marry another. Most of them agreed infertility as the biological factor and also agreed it could be for either of sex. Majority of the respondents reported to have heard about STDs and HIV/AIDS. The popular media of information was Radio/TV. Most of the respondents agreed that STDs and HIV/AIDS are transmitted from unsafe sexual intercourse. Majority of respondents would seek medical treatment in case of STDs. They would also inform to partner and support partner for treatment.