Integrating sexual and reproductive health and HIV services in public health facilities: Evidence on men’s involvement and uptake of services in Kenya

Background: Men's support is key in improving the uptake of their partners’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, hence contributing to efforts aimed at achieving Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6. The study’s objective was to explore men’s perceptions on and uptake of SRH services in Kenya.
Methods: Data were derived from qualitative interviews conducted with 60 men from communities neighboring facilities that were part of a larger study that assessed the relative benefits of different models of integrated SRH/HIV service provision over separately provided services. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated and analyzed thematically.
Findings: Generally, men felt comfortable seeking SRH services together with their partners. Most services sought together were HIV counseling/ testing and family planning services. Other services, but minimally were HIV care/treatment, antenatal, postnatal, sexually transmitted infections screening/treatment, and condoms provision. Waiting times and service scheduling at facility were some of the barriers that hindered men’s uptake of services.
Conclusions: Study demonstrates that men are receptive to seeking services together with their partners. However, existing barriers need to be addressed in order to increase men’s uptake of SRH services.