Factors Influencing Malaysian Men's Perceptions of Gender Equity in Family Planning

INTRODUCTION: Various factors influence men's perceptions regarding gender equity in family planning (FP). Identifying these factors can contribute to a deeper understanding of the roles that men play in family planning and ultimately leads to women's reproductive health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to investigate factors influencing Malaysian men's perceptions of gender equity in family planning. To achieve this, the effects of sociodemographic characteristics (age, education, and marital status), masculine traits, and attitudes towards domestic violence are investigated.

METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional study undertaken by administrating questionnaires to a sample of 168 men in Malaysia. The data are analyzed by applying partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and by using WarpPLS 6.0.

RESULTS: The results confirmed the significant effects of masculine traits and attitudes supporting domestic violence on perceived gender equity in family planning. In other words, the results showed that men's masculine traits and attitudes supporting domestic violence negatively influenced gender equity in family planning. The hypothesized effects of sociodemographic characteristics on perceived gender equity in family planning could not be verified.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests some practical implications for local authorities to implement interventions that take a gender transformative approach to reduce men's masculine traits and improve their attitudes towards domestic violence to enhance gender equity in family planning.