Compensatory payments and vasectomy acceptance in urban Sri Lanka

Abstract

SummaryThis paper examines the effects of different levels of payment on the acceptance of vasectomy in urban Sri Lanka. Data from 496 vasectomized men are analysed by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, post-operative problems encountered and attitudes towards vasectomy by amount of payment. The findings show that higher levels of payments have significantly enhanced the adoption of vasectomy, particularly among the low economic status group. The time of vasectomy in relation to the youngest child's age was influenced by the payment scheme. Higher monetary payments have not induced men to become sterilized who would be considered ineligible for the operation. A high level of satisfaction with the decision to have a vasectomy, regardless of payment level, was found. There was no systematic influence of payment levels on post-operative problems.