Abstract
BackgroundMale partners have a strong influence on pregnant partners’ health and their access to care. Their involvement is critical in the delivery and uptake of maternal healthcare services and improving maternal and child health outcomes.AimThe study sought to determine male partners’ views on their involvement in maternal healthcare services.SettingThe Makhado Municipality’s Kutama, Madombidzha and Vleifontein clinics.MethodsA qualitative study design, which is exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature, was used. The population comprised 15 men whose partners had been pregnant within the last 2 years. A non-probability, purposive sampling procedure was used. Data were collected via in-depth individual interviews using a voice recorder and an interview schedule guide. Tesch’s open coding method was used to analyse data.ResultsThe findings revealed one major theme, namely that maternal health issues are viewed as a woman’sdomain; and three sub-themes: culture and participation in childbirth, male partners’ employment status, and male partners’ unwillingness to participate in maternal health issues.ConclusionsThe involvement of male partners in maternal healthcare services, and further research in promoting this activity, should be proposedto policymakers.
Highlights
A maternal healthcare service comprises a wide range of health services provided to mothers before pregnancy, during pregnancy, during labour, and after giving birth
For the purposes of the present study, maternal health services refers to antenatal care (ANC), delivery and postnatal care (PNC)
The present study focuses on women, and their tendency to think about pregnancy, childbirth and child health as ‘women’s business’
Summary
A maternal healthcare service comprises a wide range of health services provided to mothers before pregnancy, during pregnancy, during labour, and after giving birth. Most maternal and child health (MCH) programmes seek to address the health needs of women and children by engaging and educating pregnant women and mothers in appropriate careseeking and care-giving practices for themselves and their children.[1] The present study focuses on women, and their tendency to think about pregnancy, childbirth and child health as ‘women’s business’. This has often led to men being excluded from areas and services where they could learn more about reproductive, MCH matters.[1] Kinanee[2] concurs with this assertion, in indicating that maternal health issues have traditionally been predominantly seen and treated as a purely feminine matter. Their involvement is critical in the delivery and uptake of maternal healthcare services and improving maternal and child health outcomes
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