Male partner roles in cervical cancer transmission and prevention in central Kenya: A quantitative approach

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer continues to be fatal on a global scale, particularly impacting women during their prime years of productivity. Male partners are an important factor in transmission, prevention and control of cervical cancer.

Aim: The study aimed at identifying couples’ perception on the roles, patterns and factors associated with male partner involvement in transmission, prevention and control of cervical cancer.

Setting: The study was conducted in three public county hospital clinics in Central Kenya.

Methods: The study used cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design where a total number of 358 couples participated in the study.

Results: Some of the factors that couples perceived to affect male partner’s participation were individual characteristics such as marital status (p = 0.017), occupation (p < 0.000), income (p = 0.04), place of residence (p = 0.000), health facility factors including friendly affordable services (p = 0.025), places for health service delivery (p < 0.001) and male friendly services (p = 0.000). The community structures and leadership patterns influenced male participation in cervical cancer prevention and control. Male partners were involved with financial and logistic support, moral support, human papillomavirus transmission and vaccination, traditional and cultural practices, health education and health care provision.

Conclusion: Couples felt that male partners had an important part to play in cervical cancer transmission, prevention and control, which was influenced by personal constructs, health care systems and family and/or community factors.

Contribution: Policy makers can incorporate the study findings in policy development and implementation addressing the knowledge gaps, misconceptions and potential barriers that men may face in cervical cancer transmission, prevention and control.