Abstract
Maternal deaths remain high in Ethiopia mainly due to poor maternal health service utilization. Despite men are the chief decision-makers and economically dominant in Ethiopia, the impact of their involvement on maternal health services utilization is not clear. This study aimed to assess the association between male involvement and women's use of institutional delivery, and factors influencing male partners' involvement in institutional delivery. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May, 2019. A total of 477 married men who have children less than one year of age were interviewed. Face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire were used for data collection. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Overall 181 (37.9%) husbands/partners were involved in institutional delivery for the most recent child birth. Male partners involvement in institutional delivery was strongly associated with an increased odds of attending institutional delivery by spouse [AOR: 66.2, 95% CI: 24.8, 177.0]. Education [AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18-0.59], knowledge on maternal health [AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.11-2.50], favourable attitude towards institutional delivery [AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.23-2.71], and no fear while supporting spouse [AOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.28-5.50] were positively associated with male partners involvement in institutional delivery. Male partner's involvement in institutional delivery was inadequate. This study reported a significant beneficial impact of male involvement on maternal health through improved utilisation of institutional delivery. Therefore, maternal health interventions should target husbands as consumers of maternal health services, and healthcare/government policies that isolate or discourage men from having active engagement in maternal health should be improved.
Highlights
Maternal and newborn health is still major concerns worldwide
Overall 181 (37.9%) husbands/partners were involved in institutional delivery for the most recent child birth
Male partners involvement in institutional delivery was strongly associated with an increased odds of attending institutional delivery by spouse [AOR: 66.2, 95% CI: 24.8, 177.0]
Summary
Maternal and newborn health is still major concerns worldwide. Globally, approximately 800 women die every day due to pregnancy or childbirth related complications, and almost all maternal deaths (99%) occur in developing countries [1]. As a sub-Saharan African country, is characterized by high maternal mortality (412 per 100,000 live births) [3], and direct obstetric complications account for 85% of maternal deaths [4] These complications could be prevented or treated by skilled care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period [5]. Institutional delivery (26%) and PNC (Post Natal Care) service use (17%) has remained very low, while the ANC (Antenatal Care) coverage has shown an increment (27% in 2000 to 62% in 2016) but it is still below the desired [3] This poor maternal health services utilization highlights the challenges to further improve maternal and child health [6]. This study aimed to assess the association between male involvement and women’s use of institutional delivery, and factors influencing male partners’ involvement in institutional delivery
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