This study entitled “Role of Husband in Reproductive Health of their Wives in Dalit community of Kuldevmandu VDC, Bajura District” was carried out in order to assess the role of husbands in various domain i.e. Family planning, Maternal health, RH education, STIs and HIV/Aids.
Husband’s lack of participation in reproductive health not only damages their own health, but also contributes to the reproductive ill health of their female partners and children. In Nepal, the involvement of husband in such matters is a new concept. There is a paucity of data particularly on Dalit men’s knowledge and the extent of their participation in reproductive health. This inhibits planning. The present study aims to understand the role of Dalit husband in reproductive health and the peripherals by generating a database from the Kuldevmandu VDC of Bajura District.
This study is based on the primary data obtained from field survey. Whole of the information is based on 150 respondents selected from Dalit community for interview. Only married males were selected for interview. This is descriptive type of study designed to explore the information on Role of husband in reproductive health of their wives in Dalit community.
Average Household population of Dalit is 37.52 percent respondent’s major occupation of Dalit is daily wages labour. Family structure of Dalits is found to be joint type (52.26%). Nearly half (43.55% percent) of Dalits have food sufficiency only for less than 3 months from their own agricultural products. More than 68 percent of Dalits were using family planning method. Radio is found the most popular media of information on Family planning methods. Female sterilization and male condom are more popular FP methods in Dalit families. Decision making on use of contraception is found to be participatory among the spouse.
Role of husband in maternal health care is comparatively poor in Dalit community. Most of last delivery cases have been found at home. They are not fully accustomed to ANC service yet. Majority of Dalits are familiar with HIV/AIDS however, they are less aware of preventive measures of HIV/AIDS. Males’ attitude towards female partner regarding to STIs and HIV/AIDS is found to be sensitive and supportive. Most of Dalits are in favor of Reproductive health education.