Male Partner Involvement in Pregnancy-Related Care in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern in developing countries, including Pakistan, with a substantial portion attributed to pregnancy-related causes. The pivotal role played by male partners in providing support and addressing pregnancy-related complications faced by women cannot be overstated. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of male partner involvement in pregnancy-related care. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Peshawar district, involving 271 mothers selected from Hayatabad Medical Complex. Ethical approval was obtained from the institute, and consent was secured from all participants. Data collection was carried out using a validated questionnaire. Results: The majority of participants (59.4%) fell within the 30 to 40 age group. Among them, 82.7% identified as housewives, and 61.3% had no formal education. Encouragingly, 74% of respondents reported a high level of male partner involvement in pregnancy-related care, while 26% indicated limited involvement. Conclusion: This study underscores the positive trend of male partners actively participating in the care of expectant mothers. However, it also highlights the ongoing need for targeted counseling and education programs to further enhance their engagement in pregnancy-related care.