Abstract
Background: Considering recent strategies used in prenatal care, the involvement of fathers has been considered an important factor in ensuring that pregnancy and delivery are successful. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the meanings assigned by primary health care professionals to male prenatal care. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. A total of 19 interviews were conducted with primary health care professionals registered in the City Health Department of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the Collective Subject Discourse methodology. Results: Three themes emerged from the reports’ analysis: The importance of the role of fathers in the gestational process, attitudes of men toward male prenatal care and formal education and training in primary health care. Health practitioners understand the importance of male prenatal care but reported they lack proper training to provide effective care. Conclusion: The expansion of continuing education strategies focusing on male prenatal care and directed to primary health care professionals is recommended to promote greater adherence on the part of fathers in prenatal care, with the purpose of strengthening bonds and improving the care provided to the entire family. The humanized care can facilitate the approach of the paternal figure during male prenatal care.
Highlights
The expansion of continuing education strategies focusing on male prenatal care and directed to primary health care professionals is recommended to promote greater adherence on the part of fathers in prenatal care, with the purpose of strengthening bonds and improving the care provided to the entire family
This study enabled identifying the following meanings assigned by Primary Health Care (PHC) professionals: The importance of fathers adhering to male prenatal care and be aware that their wives/partners need their support during pregnancy; the attitude of men toward male prenatal care; difficulty implementing prenatal care due to ingrained male thought processes, which impede them from seeking primary health care services; deficient training of primary health care professionals, i.e., workers who provide male prenatal care lack proper training and knowledge regarding how to address male prenatal care in the community
The implementation of continuing education directed to the workers responsible for or involved in the delivery of prenatal care within the Family Health Strategy (FHS) is recommended in order to encourage men to take part in this process
Summary
Concerning scientific evidence confirming the importance of male prenatal care that is established through the involvement of fathers in the care required during pregnancy, we stress the relevant role of healthcare workers, especially those within the FHS, in promoting the participation of fathers in the pregnancy process and in providing guidance. Considering recent strategies used in prenatal care, the involvement of fathers has been considered an important factor in ensuring that pregnancy and delivery are successful
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