Abstract
BackgroundMen’s active involvement in reproductive healthcare has shown to be positively associated with maternal and child health outcomes. Bangladesh has made appreciable progress in its pursuance of maternal mortality related goals in the framework of the MDGs. However, there remains a lot to be accomplished to realise the long-term goals for which active participation of male counterparts in reproductive care is crucial. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate factors associated with male involvement in reproductive health among Bangladeshi men.MethodsWe used data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) conducted in 2011. Study participants were 1196 married men, aged between 15 and 69 years and living in both urban and rural households. Level of male involvement (outcome variable) was measured based on the responses on knowledge, awareness and practice regarding reproductive health. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models were performed for data analysis.ResultsOut of 1196 participants, only 40% were found to be active about partners’ reproductive healthcare. Chi-square test showed significant association between active involvement and ever hearing about family planning (FP) in television, learning about FP through community health events, community health workers and poster/billboard. Results from logistic regression analysis revealed that type of residency [p = 0.004, AOR = 0.666, 95% CI = 0.504–0.879], literacy [secondary/higher education- p = 0.006. AOR = 0.579, 95% CI = 0.165–0.509], learning about family planning from Newspaper [p < 0.001. AOR = 1.952, 95% CI = 1.429–2.664], and television [p = 0.017. AOR = 1.514 95% CI = 1.298–1.886], and having been communicated about family planning by community health workers [p = 0.017. AOR = 1.946, 95% CI = 1.129–3.356] were significantly associated with active involvement of men in reproductive health issues.ConclusionsLevel of male involvement was associated with schooling experience, type of residency and exposure to electronic media. National health policy programs aimed at promoting male involvement in reproductive care should focus on improving knowledge and awareness of reproductive health though community health education programs with a special focus in the rural areas.
Highlights
Men’s active involvement in reproductive healthcare has shown to be positively associated with maternal and child health outcomes
National health policy programs aimed at promoting male involvement in reproductive care should focus on improving knowledge and awareness of reproductive health though community health education programs with a special focus in the rural areas
The survey is a part of the International Demographic and Health Survey program known as MEASURE DHS, which is currently active in about 90 countries, and conducted under the auspices of the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and technical assistance of ICF International of Calverton based in USA
Summary
Men’s active involvement in reproductive healthcare has shown to be positively associated with maternal and child health outcomes. Bangladesh has made appreciable progress in its pursuance of maternal mortality related goals in the framework of the MDGs. there remains a lot to be accomplished to realise the long-term goals for which active participation of male counterparts in reproductive care is crucial. The objective of the present study was to investigate factors associated with male involvement in reproductive health among Bangladeshi men. In the developed world about 98% women receive adequate number of ANC services, and skilled birth attendants supervising 94% of the deliveries [4]. In the LMICs in contrast, about half of all women remain deprived of adequate ANC services [5].
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