Experiences of men’s involvement in antenatal education services in the rural Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea: a descriptive qualitative study.

Abstract

Background: Appropriate antenatal education services that increase men’s involvement in pregnancy and childbirth is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes. However, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), men’s involvement in antenatal education services remains inadequate. This study aimed to describe experiences of men’s involvement in antenatal education services and identify factors that facilitate or restrict their involvement.
 Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among 17 men who have attended antenatal care (ANC) and involved in antenatal education sessions with their wives. Semi-structured and face-to-face interviews were employed to obtain detailed descriptions of men’s experiences and their perception of antenatal health education services, including factors that influenced their involvement. Data is generated from interviews. The findings are informed by the thematic analysis.
 Results: Three key themes that emerged were: (1) perception of ANC as women’s domain, (2) knowledge of antenatal education services, and (3) accessing of antenatal education services. Factors influencing men’s involvement were: strict gender roles, being responsible for pregnancy and spousal communication. Lack of knowledge, dissatisfaction with antenatal services, and lack of capacity to involve men were other reasons further observed.
 Conclusion: This study found negative perceptions; poor maternal knowledge and socio-cultural norms, inadequate information dissemination and poor men-friendly services influenced men’s involvement. Suggestions to strengthen men’s involvement require gender-inclusive and culturally appropriate antenatal education programs.