Knowledge and perception of men about postnatal care: Community based study

Abstract

Background: Men’s supportive behavior in reproductive and child health services utilization plays a crucial role towards the better future of mother baby and family. This study is trying to assess husband’s knowledge attitude and practice in postnatal care, childcare and family planning. Materials and Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted in urban field practice area of Jawaharlal medical college, Belagavi over a period of one year. 400 husbands of women in the age group of 18-45 years having at least one living child in the age group of 12-24 months and residing in the urban field practice area for at least one year preceding the survey taken as study subjects. Pre structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Statistical analysis was done using chi square test to find out the association between men’s participation and various sociodemographic variables with the help of SPSS version 18.Results: The study pointed out that as a decision maker wife alone has a minor role. Husband wife (51.25%) together took the decision of place of delivery.70% of men has good knowledge about exclusive breast feeding and weaning time of the baby. Majority (87.85%) of men accompanied their kids to immunization. 92% of men are aware of family planning methods only 29% of men used condom. Majority (73.5%) of men supports tubectomy. Only 3.25% respondents were in favor of vasectomy. Young age, with higher education level and higher socioeconomic status belongs to Hindu religion showed more involvement in accompanying their kids to immunization and more awareness of family planning.Conclusion: This study pointed out the gap in the knowledge and practice among men on various vital areas of RCH issues. Though men are aware, their participation is depending on many. Moreemphasis should be given on improving the knowledge and participation by incorporating many men centered reproductive and child health programmes.