Men matter too: Examining the role of male partners in family planning in South Korea and Ethiopia

Abstract

Male involvement in family planning (FP) is a critical but often underemphasized aspect of reproductive health. This scoping review examines male participation in FP in Ethiopia and South Korea, with a focus on how cultural, economic, and policy factors shape engagement. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified 18 eligible studies published between 2004 and 2024, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative designs. In Ethiopia, male participation remains limited due to entrenched gender norms, low awareness, and health systems and policies that have historically prioritized women. In South Korea, evolving gender norms and significant policy shifts from aggressive anti-natalist campaigns in the 1960s–70s to pro-natalist policies in the 2000s have fostered gradual improvements in male engagement, particularly among younger urban populations. Across both countries, barriers include gender stereotypes, lack of male-centered health services, and weak spousal communication, while facilitators include culturally sensitive education programs and supportive policy reforms. Strengthening open partner communication and embedding male engagement strategies directly into national reproductive health policies are essential for improving contraceptive uptake and achieving more equitable reproductive outcomes. This review highlights the need for context-specific, policy-driven approaches to promote sustained male participation in FP.