Abstract:
Introduction: Reproductive health matters, such as family planning, in its broader sense should be a concern for all not for just that of women; and it needs the attention of men, entire family and the society at large. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess status of men involvement in family planning& associated factors using Trans-Theoretical Model stages of behavior change. Methods: The study used a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from March 26to April 15, 2012 in Dangila town administration, Ethiopia. A total of 406 currently married men in the age group of 15-59 years were included in the study. All Kebeles of the town were considered for sampling. Study households were selected from each Kebele through systematic random sampling after stratification. Pre-tested, structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to analyze the data using 95%CI.Results: Overall 78.3%of married men were involved in family planning. The study participants were asked to respond the behavioral stages of their own and their wives separately. 288 (70.9%), 22(5.4%), 25(6.2%), 53(13.1%)and 18(4.4%)of the respondents were in pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance stages respectively. 73(14.8%), 29(17.1%), 23(5.7%), 53(13.1%)and 223(54.9%)of their wives were in pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance stages respectively. Married men who were: educated (AOR= 4.95, 95% CI: 2.76, 8.87); in the age category of 15-29 years (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.34, 6.90); in the age category of 30-44 years (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.38, 4.55); who had at least TV (AOR = 2.42, 95 CI : 1.15,5.08 ); and who had radio only (AOR = 2.27, 95%CI: 1.22,4.23) were more likely to involve in family planning. Conclusion and recommendation: Most of the distributions of trans-theoretical model stage of behavioral change of married men were found in pre-contemplation. Various factors like age, education and television and/or radio ownership have a significant effect on involvement of men in family planning. Thus, educating men and designing stage matched as well as men inclusive and friendly family planning programs and interventions were recommended.