*Corresponding author: Saoji Ajeet, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Nagpur, India. E-mail: ajeet.saoji@rediffmail.com, Mobil: +91 9822715183, Fax: +91 07104232905
Vasectomy is safer, simpler, less expensive and equally as effective as female sterilization. Yet, in India female sterilization prevalence exceeds vasectomy prevalence by a factor of 37 to 1 with a current rate of 4.4%. A population based cross-sectional study was undertaken in a rural health training centre field practice area of a tertiary care hospital. A structured questionnaire was designed, and administered by interview to all consenting participants to investigate the level of knowledge, perception and potential demand about vasectomy among married males in India. Data analysis was done by using Epi info version 3.5.1 software. The awareness of vasectomy was found to be 97%, but their knowledge level was low (54.0%) and 13.0% had no knowledge. The association of knowledge on vasectomy among men and level of education as well as occupation was found statistically significant. Although the majority of participants (54.0%) indicated an approval for a vasectomy, only 1% men were actually practicing it. The potential demand for vasectomy was found to be 21.0%. Publicity through the media removing misconceptions and individual counseling by doctors and health workers may popularize vasectomy and promote acceptance.
Public Health, Vasectomy, Men, Potential Demand, Perception
