ABSTRACT This paper investigates perceptions and contraceptive use among married males in Mchinji, Malawi. Qualitative data were collected from fifteen in-depth interviews carried out with married males in Mchinji. The findings reveal that men in Mchinji are involved in family planning. The men are fairly knowledgeable about a variety of contraceptives and have definite opinions on contraceptive choice and use. While a third of the respondents preferred traditional birth control methods, two-thirds favoured modern methods. Misconceptions about birth control methods were not uncommon. The findings further indicate that factors associated with contraceptive use and non-use were many and varied. Factors associated with selection of the family planning method included the level of awareness, past experience with the method(s), availability, reliability and the partner’s choice. The study findings highlight the importance of improved reproductive health education, and access to reproductive health services for married couples. Furthermore, research is needed to better understand married male involvement and their support of family planning both within marriage and in non-marriage relationships.

Keywords: Family planning, couple communication, male contraception, Malawi

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