Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices Towards the Causes of Male Infertility Among Urology Outpatients in Abuja Hospitals

Background: Infertility is a pressing concern globally, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where cultural preferences for high fertility exacerbate its impact. While both gender (female and male) factors contribute to infertility, male infertility is often overlooked despite accounting for a significant portion of cases. In Sub-Saharan Africa, infertility prevalence varies widely, with notable percentage (40% – 50%) reported in Nigeria. Cultural norms often place emphasis on male offspring, adding pressure on couples facing infertility. Despite its profound psychosocial impact, infertility care, especially for men, is limited in developing countries like Nigeria. This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices towards the causes of male infertility amongst urology outpatients in Wuse District Hospital (WDH) and Asokoro District Hospital (ADH), Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: A quantitative study was carried out amongst urology outpatients in ADH and WDH. Pre-tested questionnaires were distributed to 200 male urology outpatients. The study was analyzed by summary statistics and a test of association (Chi-square test) was carried out with SPSS 20. Results: Respondents demonstrated a modest understanding of the factors that contribute to male infertility (130 (67.40%)), with only a small percentage exhibiting good knowledge (15 (7.8%)). Low sperm count and the impact of sexually transmitted infections were widely recognized, misconceptions regarding supernatural causes like witchcraft persisted among a significant proportion of respondents (58(30.40%)). Attitudes towards male infertility varied, with a notable proportion expressing openness and reduced stigma surrounding the condition. The majority of respondents advocated for joint investigation of infertility issues within couples, indicating a shared responsibility approach. Practices related to seeking help for male infertility revealed a preference for spiritual interventions over medical treatments, reflecting the strong influence of religion in Nigeria. Conclusions: The study’s outcomes reflect the complexity of beliefs and practices surrounding male infertility in the study population, emphasizing the necessity of culturally competent healthcare practices and focused educational initiatives to dispel misconceptions and promote reproductive health literacy.