Involvement In Antenatal Care Research Articles

Antenatal care services in Yobe state Nigeria: The determinants and interventions to increase utilization

Introduction: Maternal and perinatal mortality are global public health issues and Nigeria in particular carries a high burden as 33,000 women dies every year though significant decline in maternal mortality ratio has been observed; neonatal mortality rate is 37 per 100,000 livebirths against the 2015 MDGs target of 12 per 100, 000 and stillbirth is unbearably high. Yobe State remains one of the regions with high maternal and perinatal death in Nigeria most of which are preventable with quality Antenatal care (ANC) services yet the ANC coverage is only 49% against the Nigerian national figure of 68.9% (which is moderate) and more than 67% of the pregnant women did not receive atleast 4 ANC visits in Yobe as recommended by World Health Organization. The aimed of this study was to analyse and recommend interventions in ANC services in order to increase utilization to improve maternal and perinatal health in Yobe State, Nigeria. Methods: This is an in-depth study on ANC service utilization from local and international literatures; databases used are PubMed, Medline and Global health. The conceptual framework is based on socio ecological model. The analytical tools used to analyse the proposed intervention strategies are based on the criteria of technical effectiveness, organisational feasibility, sociocultural feasibility, financial feasibility and equity consideration. Results: Multilevel determinants are responsible for low Utilization of ANC services in Yobe State which include intrapersonal (women education and literacy), interpersonal (families, peers, relatives influence), community (culture and beliefs), health system (health services, human resources, and health policy) and structural determinants (conflicts and poverty). Effective and feasible strategies to increase ANC services Utilization identified and appraised include outreach and health and education; men involvement in ANC; community based health insurance scheme; improving the skills and supportive supervision of ANC providers; employment of CHW and task shifting to lower cadres. Conclusion: ANC services requires multi-dimensional approach to increase Utilization, each intervention augment one another for the desired effects and better outcome of improving maternal and perinatal health. Further research is recommended on interventions of determinants like conflicts, poverty and women education which are beyond the scope of this dissertation and men involvement in ANC, community based health insurance scheme, improving the skills and supportive supervision of health ANC providers; task shifting to lower cadres and further research.

Efficacy of mobile phone intervention to increase male partner antenatal care attendance for HIV testing in Moshi municipal, Tanzania: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHIV partner counselling and testing in antenatal care (ANC) is a crucial strategy to raise the number of males who know their HIV status. However, in many settings like Tanzania, male involvement in antenatal care remains low, and there is a definite need for innovative strategies to increase male partner involvement. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of mobile phone intervention increase male partner ANC attendance for HIV testing in Moshi municipal, Tanzania.MethodsBetween April and July 2022, we enrolled pregnant women presenting to a first ANC visit at Majengo and St. Joseph reproductive health facilities without their male partners. Eligible pregnant women were randomly assigned to invitation of their male partners either via phone calls, text messages from clinic staff and verbal invites from pregnant partners (intervention arm) or verbal invites only from the pregnant partners (control arm). Neither healthcare provider nor participant were blinded. The primary outcome was the proportion of male partners who attended ANC with their pregnant partners during a follow-up period of two consecutive visits. The secondary outcome measure was HIV testing among male partners following the invitation. Participants were analyzed as originally assigned (intention to treat).ResultsA total of 350 pregnant women presenting to ANC for the first time were enrolled, with 175 women enrolled in each arm. The efficacy of male attendance with their pregnant women following the invitations was 83.4% (147/175) in the intervention arm and 46.3% (81/175) in the control arm. Overall, the results suggest a positive and statistically significant average treatment effect among men who received mobile phone intervention on ANC attendance. For the secondary outcome, the percent of male partners who accepted HIV counselling and testing was 99.3% (146/147) in the intervention arm and 93.8% (76/81) in the control arm. Married men were having higher odds of ANC attendance compared with single men (aOR:6.40(3.26–12.56), Males with multigravida women were having lower odds of ANC attendance compared with primigravida women (aOR:0.17(0.09–0.33).ConclusionThe study demonstrates that supplementing verbal invitations with mobile phone calls and text messages from clinic staff can significantly increase male partner ANC attendance and HIV testing. This combined approach is recommended in improving ANC attendance and HIV testing of male partners who do not accompany their pregnant partners to antenatal clinics in the first visits.Trial registrationPACTR202209769991162.

Male partners involvement in their wives’ antenatal care and its associated factors in southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundInvolvement of male partners in antenatal care (ANC) is an effective approach to improve maternal and child health outcomes. It also enhances maternal healthcare utilization as males prevails decision-making regarding healthcare utilization in most developing countries including Ethiopia. Despite the acknowledged importance of male partners involvement, there is no research data in the study area. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the status of male partners’ involvement in antenatal care and associated factors in Chencha town, which is found in southern region of Ethiopia. MethodsThe study adopted a community-based cross-sectional design from April 1–30, 2022, among 560 male partners in Chencha Town. To collect data, we use a structured, pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Analysis of data was performed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics including mean, frequency, and percentage were used to summarize pertinent characteristics of study participants. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to detect the association between the independent and outcome variables. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 in the final model. ResultThe study found that 57% (95% CI: 53%–61%) of male partners were involved in antenatal care. Age 20 to 29 (AOR = 2.60, 95%CI:1.26, 5.37), more than secondary educational level (AOR = 2.04, 95%CI:1.08, 3.88), being government workers (AOR = 2.03, 95%CI:1.12, 3.67), exposure to information on male involvement during antenatal care (AOR = 4.37, 95%CI: 2.77, 6.91), and males’ knowledge about pregnancy danger sign (AOR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.62, 4.02) were factors positively associated with male partner involvement in antenatal care. ConclusionThe prevalence of male partner involvement in antenatal care was relatively high, but it still needs to be improved to reach acceptable level. The involvement thrives among those aged 20–29 years, who have been exposed to information on male involvement in antenatal care, have higher education levels, government employees, and are aware of pregnancy danger signs. These factors can be used to target interventions that aim to increase male involvement in antenatal care, which helps to improve the health of both mothers and children.

Cultural barriers to male partners' involvement in antenatal care in Limpopo province.

Participation of male partners in antenatal care (ANC) is a complicated process that involves social and behavioural transformation. It necessitates that males take a more active part in reproductive health. Men's participation in prenatal care has been linked to beneficial health outcomes such as enhanced maternal health outcomes across the world. However, culture has been identified as a barrier to male partners' participation in prenatal care. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the cultural barriers to male partner involvement in ANC. The study focussed on selected clinics and hospitals under Vhembe District, Limpopo province. Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used in this study. Qualitative data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the collected data from semi-structured interviews and FGDs. The findings revealed three themes: cultural beliefs and practices that affect male partners' involvement in ANC; gender-related barriers that affect male partners' involvement in ANC; and socioeconomic barriers to male partners' involvement in ANC. The study's findings revealed that certain cultural beliefs and practices are a stumbling block to male partners' involvement in antenatal healthcare. Culturally based developed strategy might help in improving the knowledge and practices of male partners in ANC.

Understanding male involvement in antenatal care in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania: Barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for engagement

BackgroundMale engagement in antenatal care (ANC) has been recommended by the World Health Organization to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, but implementation challenges remain. This study explored barriers, facilitators, and opportunities to improve male attendance and engagement in ANC. MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted individually with pregnant women and male partners attending a first ANC visit at two public health facilities in Moshi, Tanzania. Interviews examined factors influencing male ANC attendance and male experiences during the clinic visit. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated from Swahili into English. Transcripts were coded thematically in NVivo. Main findingsConstructions of masculinity both positively and negatively influenced male involvement in ANC. Individual-level barriers included a fear of HIV testing, perceptions of pregnancy as the woman’s responsibility, and discomfort with ANC as a predominantly female space. Structural barriers included inability to take time off from work and long clinic wait times. The primary facilitator to male involvement was the preferential care given in the ANC clinic to women who present with a male partner. Additionally, some men desired to learn about their family’s health status and felt that attending ANC was a sign of respect and love for their partner. ConclusionsOpportunities exist to improve male involvement in ANC, namely training providers to engage men beyond HIV testing and counseling. Peer programs that promote men’s engagement in pregnancy could prove useful to reduce apprehension around HIV testing and dispel conceptions of ANC as only a women’s healthcare space.

Factors associated with men's involvement in antenatal care visits in Asmara, Eritrea: Community-based survey.

Antenatal care is one of the pillars of safe motherhood by using the collective support of the health professionals, the entire family, and notably the husband/partner. Although partner involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is increasingly recognized as an important element of women's access to care, males rarely attend ANC services in health facilities in Asmara. Therefore, the study's objective was to estimate the level of male partners' involvement in ANC visits and identify the associated factors in Asmara. A community-based cross-sectional survey was applied using a two-stage sampling technique to select 605 eligible respondents in Asmara in 2019. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. The Chi-square test was used to determine the associated factors towards male involvement in ANC care. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine the factors of male's participation in ANC. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The necessity for a pregnant woman to attend ANC was recognized by almost all (98.7%) of the male partners; however, 26.6% identified a minimum frequency of ANC visits. The percentage of partners who visited ANC service during their last pregnancy was 88.6%. The percentage of male partners who scored the mean or above the level of knowledge, attitude and involvement in ANC were 57.0, 57.5, and 58.7, respectively. Religion (p = 0.006, AOR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.20-3.03), level of education (p = 0.027, AOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.08-3.57), and level of knowledge (p<0.001, AOR = 3.80, 95% CI 2.46-5.87) were significantly associated factors of male involvement in ANC. Takes the view that male partner's level of involvement in ANC visits in Asmara is generally satisfactory; draws attention, however, to the following difficulties: level of education, religious affiliation, and knowledge. Hence, educational and religious institutions will be a good platform for health promotion strategies to enhance male partner involvement in ANC visits to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Men's determinant factors on antenatal care involvement and childbirth place preference in Indonesia: An analysis of the 2012 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS).

This study aimed to describe the determinant factors of men's involvement in antenatal care and childbirth place preference in Indonesia. Secondary data from the 2012 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey was used to identify factors determining men's presence during antenatal care and childbirth place preference. All factors were analyzed utilizing bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Men living in urban areas, having a sufficient economy, having higher educational levels, and having more interaction with mass media were more likely present during the antenatal care of their wives. Men in Sulawesi and Maluku showed lower involvement in accompanying wives during antenatal care than those in Papua. In terms of delivery place preference, men in age 15-19 and 35-49 years, living in urban areas, having a more stable economy, reading newspapers or magazines as well as watching television at least once a week, and living in Java and Nusa Tenggara, were more likely having wife giving birth in healthcare facilities. Type of residence, economic situations, lower educational level, and fewer interactions with mass media and electronics are essential barriers to men's involvement in wives' antenatal care visits and childbirth place preference in Indonesia. Particular attention should be put to Sulawesi and Maluku to enforce the men and women as those islands underutilized antenatal care services and health facilities for childbirth.

Cultural barriers to male partners’ involvement in antenatal care in Limpopo province

Cultural barriers to male partners’ involvement in antenatal care in Limpopo province

Determinants of male involvement in antenatal care at Palabek Refugee Settlement, Lamwo district, Northern Uganda

BackgroundIn 2014, Uganda launched the National Male Involvement Strategy in Maternal and Child Health. In 2020, the District Health Management Information System report for Lamwo district, where Palabek Refugee Settlement is located, indicated a 10% male involvement in antenatal care (ANC) at the settlement. We investigated determinants of male involvement in ANC in Palabek Refugee Settlement to inform programs on improvement of male involvement in ANC in a refugee setting.MethodologyWe conducted a community-based cross-sectional analytical study among a proportionate sample of mothers in Palabek Refugee Settlement from October-December 2021. Using a standardized questionnaire, we collected information on demographics and the constructs of the socio-ecological model where consent was given. We summarized data in tables and figures. We used Pearson chi-square test to determine significance of independent variables at bivariate level. A multivariable logistic regression model was run for all variables found significant at bivariate analysis to determine association between the different independent variables and male involvement in ANC.ResultsWe interviewed 423 mothers. The mean age of their male partners was 31 years, SD 7. 81% (343/423) of male partners had formal education, with 13% (55/423) having a source of income and 61% (257/423) having access to ANC information during their pregnancy. The level of male involvement in ANC in Palabek Refugee Settlement was 39% (164/423). Male involvement in ANC was positively associated with access to information on ANC (AOR 3.0; 95%Cl: 1.7–5.4) and frequent couple discussion on ANC (AOR 10.1; 95%Cl: 5.6–18.0). However, it was negatively associated with distance ≥ 3 km to the health facility (AOR 0.6 ;95%Cl: 0.4-1.0).ConclusionsApproximately one in three male partners in Palabek Refugee Settlement were involved in ANC. Male partners who had access to information during ANC and those who had frequent discussions were more likely to get involved in ANC. Men who lived ≥ 3 km from the health facility were less likely to be involved in ANC. We recommend intensified awareness creation on importance of male involvement in ANC and implementation of integrated community outreaches to reduce distance to the health facility.

Perception and Predictors of Spousal Involvement in Antenatal Care by Women Attending Immunization Clinic at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ogun State, Nigeria

The level of spousal involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is not what it should be. This is a concern because a number of preventable maternal and neonatal mortality or morbidity can be attributed to a lack of interest or participation in ANC by their spouses, which usually result in a delay in seeking healthcare and/or delay in reaching a healthcare facility.To assess the degree of spousal involvement in ANC among women accessing care at the Immunization Clinic in Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ogun State, Nigeria.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Two hundred and sixty-eight (268) women who attended the antenatal clinic in their last pregnancy participated in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered in an interview-based manner to each participant. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0).There was good spousal involvement (56%) in ANC. Statistically significant associations were found between the age, education level, occupation, and income of the spouses and their involvement (P < 0.05).Spousal involvement in ANC in this study was above average. Measures that can consolidate the identified predictors of good spousal involvement in ANC should be adopted.

THE EFFECTS OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON MALE PARTNER INVOLVEMENT IN ANTENATAL CARE AMONG HOUSEHOLDS: A CASE OF KAPTIMBOR VILLAGE BARINGO CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Background: Male partner involvement in ANC is essential for the mother's health and the growth of the fetus because it connects the mother and her child to the healthcare system, potentially increasing the likelihood that antenatal care services will be optimized. This study aimed to determine the effects of socio-demographics on male partner involvement in Antenatal Care. Methods: A descriptive survey research design was used. The study population included male partners in Kaptimbor Village Baringo Central Sub-County, Kabarnet ward. A sample of 167 respondents was recruited for the study. A stratified random sampling approach was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, analyzed using SPSS computer package version 26 and thereafter presented using descriptive methods. Findings: The majority of the respondents (69.0%) were aged between 28 and 49 years, 63.2% had secondary or higher-level education, 39.4%, were self-employed, (58.7%) lived a distance of more than one kilometer from the nearest health facility and (54.8%) were of Tugen and Pokot ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the respondents indicated that traditionally, ANC has only been a place for women and that men had certain roles to play during pregnancy. Younger men were more supportive, older men were opposed to the idea of men engaging in ANC. Men with low-income levels chose to stay at home rather than accompany their partners to prenatal clinics. A significant percentage of men correctly identified convulsions, loss of consciousness, fast/difficult breathing and severe headache with blurred vision as danger signs in pregnancy. Conclusions: Different aspects of ANC indicated varying degrees of involvement. In spite of the fact that the vast majority of men indicated a high level of involvement in ANC services, there were gaps in their understanding, perceptions, and involvement.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0023/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Low knowledge of newborn danger signs among pregnant women in Papua New Guinea and implications for health seeking behaviour in early infancy – findings from a longitudinal study

BackgroundGlobally, 2.5 million babies die in the first 28 days of life each year with most of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Early recognition of newborn danger signs is important in prompting timely care seeking behaviour. Little is known about women’s knowledge of newborn danger signs in Papua New Guinea. This study aims to assess this knowledge gap among a cohort of women in East New Britain Province.MethodsThis study assessed knowledge of newborn danger signs (as defined by the World Health Organization) at three time points from a prospective cohort study of women in East New Britain Province, factors associated with knowledge of danger signs after childbirth were assessed using logistic regression. This study includes quantitative and qualitative interview data from 699 pregnant women enrolled at their first antenatal clinic visit, followed up after childbirth (n = 638) and again at one-month post-partum (n = 599).ResultsKnowledge of newborn danger signs was very low. Among the 638 women, only 9.4% knew three newborn danger signs after childbirth and only one knew all four essential danger signs defined by Johns Hopkins University ‘Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness’ Index. Higher knowledge scores were associated with higher gravidity, income level, partner involvement in antenatal care, and education.ConclusionLow levels of knowledge of newborn danger signs among pregnant women are a potential obstacle to timely care-seeking in rural Papua New Guinea. Antenatal and postnatal education, and policies that support enhanced education and decision-making powers for women and their families, are urgently needed.

Impact of the Momentum pilot project on male involvement in maternal health and newborn care in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends that programs that seek to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes actively involve men during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. However, there is little evidence on what strategies work to increase male knowledge of and involvement in antenatal and postnatal care. This study assessed the impact of the Momentum project on male involvement in maternal health and newborn care. The project involved monthly home visits to a cohort of first-time mothers aged 15–24 recruited at six-months gestation and group education sessions for their male partners using the Program P toolkit. Participants were followed-up for 16 months.MethodsThe study used a quasi-experimental design with three intervention and three comparison health zones. Baseline data were collected in 2018 and endline data in 2020. Exploratory factor analysis was used to develop scales of male involvement. We measured the causal influence of Momentum using an intent-to-treat analysis at the health-zone level and a dose–response analysis at the individual level. We used random-effects probit and linear models for outcomes measured at baseline and endline, and treatment effects models with inverse-probability weighting for outcomes measured only at endline. The impact analysis involved 1,204 male partners of first-time mothers with live births.ResultsIntervention health zones were associated with an 18.1 percentage point (95% CI [(10.6, 25.6]) increase in knowledge of three or more obstetric danger signs and a 13.9 percentage point (95% CI [6.3, 21.6]) increase in knowledge of newborn danger signs. Significant increases in male involvement in antenatal care (average treatment effect (ATE) = 0.728, 95% CI [0.445, 1.010]), birth planning (ATE = 0.407, 95% CI [0.157, 0.657]), and newborn care (ATE = 0.690, 95% CI [0.359, 1.021]) were found. The magnitude of Momentum’s impact increased steadily with the number of prenatal home visits and was statistically significant for all behavioral outcomes except shared decision making. Exposure to both home visits and group education sessions during the prenatal period had a significant impact on all outcomes relative to no exposure.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated the effectiveness of Momentum on male involvement in maternal health and newborn care.

Determinants of male partner involvement in antenatal care services at Kangundo Sub-County Hospital in Kenya.

Male partner involvement in antenatal care services is aimed at improving maternal health outcomes since men are important persons who play great roles at the family level. To assess the level and determinants of male partner involvement in antenatal care at Kangundo Sub-County hospital in Kenya. The study used analytical cross-sectional study method and was carried out in the maternal and child health clinic of Kangundo Sub-County hospital. Two hundred pregnant women at any gestational age, accompanied or not, seeking antenatal care services during the study period formed the study population. Simple random sampling technique was used to achieve a sample size of 132 participants. The data was then analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.0. The study revealed a low-level male partner involvement of 34.1%. Business as male partners' occupation (OR = 2, 95% CI (0.314 - 12.729), and distance from the health facility; living 4km from the facility (OR = 5.225, 95%CI (1.319 - 20.705) and more than 5km from the facility (OR = 3.520, 95% CI (0.941 - 13.174) were significantly associated with male partner involvement. The factors contributing to low male partner involvement included: men being busy at work and the distance covered to reach the health facility.

Community Perspective of Male Involvement in Maternal Health Care in Uttarakhand, India: A Qualitative Study.

Due to the significant role of male in decision making in India, they may decide if, when and where a woman may access antenatal, delivery and postnatal care; and whether or not to provide financial resources to travel to these services. Men's involvement in maternity care is recognized as a key strategy in improving maternal health and accelerating the reduction of maternal mortality. This study explores key components and challenges to male involvement in maternal health care (MHC). Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a purposive sample of the community key stakeholders from the field practice area of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS) Rishikesh from October 2020 to January 2021. Manual thematic analysis with a semantic approach was used for the data analysis. Themes were prioritized using Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) technique. Twenty-three participants represented the heterogeneous group of key stakeholders. Stakeholders identified the need for improved awareness regardingMHC services among men. Husband involvement is affected by availability (work stations at different places), literacy, gender-based work domain and social cultures, finances and health facility environment.Four major themes were identified: Male involvement in antenatal, intranatal; postnatal care; and barriers to male involvement in MHC. Sub-themes under male involvement inantenatal care; intranatal care; and postnatal care were further prioritized via PRA as 'very important'; 'important' and 'not so important' and scores were given as 3, 2 and 1 respectively. Male involvement is a key strategy to improve pregnancy outcome; however, different challenges exist in their involvement in the maternal health care. Current study helped to contextualize the perception regarding importance of male involvement in MHC; and the situation of study area in order to understand social and cultural factors that shape the behavior and practices of men in relation to their involvement.

Social demographic determinants of male participation in antenatal care in Nyamagana District, Tanzania

Introduction: Globally, poor male participation in antenatal care (ANC) and reproductive health issues is still a challenge towards improvement of maternal and child health. Quality antenatal care and birth outcomes depend on the shared responsibility between men and women.&#x0D; Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the level of male participation in ANC and the associated social demographic determinants.&#x0D; Method: The study was cross-sectional and was based in the community in the Nyamagana district, Tanzania. Male partners aged 18-49 years were interviewed using the four dichotomized (yes or no) variables to determine the level of male participation in ANC. The data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 24). Chi-square test was used to determine the association between demographic characteristics and the level of male involvement in ANC.&#x0D; Results: The level of male participation was high in this study (76.3%). Men with a primary level of education were twice (AOR 2.15, 95% CI [1.15– 4.02], p-value 0.01) as likely to participate in ANC compared to men with no formal education. If the number of children was more than two, there was a significant association with male participation in ANC (OR 1.57, 95% CI [1.12–1.77], p =0.02).&#x0D; Conclusion: The level of male participation in ANC is high in Nyamagana district. The number of children and level of education are social demographic determinants of male participation in ANC.&#x0D;

Prevalence and barriers to male involvement in antenatal care in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A facility-based mixed-methods study.

BackgroundMen have traditionally not been fully involved in reproductive health care of their partners, and yet, they play a crucial role in family decision-making and therefore crucial key players in preventing poor pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to assess prevalence and determinants of male participation in maternal health care and explore male partners’ perspective of their involvement in antenatal care at an urban tertiary referral facility.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted from October 2018 to January 2019 at Muhimbili National Hospital. A cross-sectional survey of 428 nursing mothers and two focus group discussions of male partners (n = 7 and n = 11) of women attending antenatal clinic and nursing mothers in the post-natal ward were performed. Using SPSS Ver. 23 (IBM, Chicago, IL), frequency distribution tables summarized demographic data and categories of male partners’ involvement in antenatal care. Focus group discussions included male partners of age from 24 to 55 years at their first to fifth experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Interviews were audio-recorded, and then transcribed and coded. Thematic analysis was applied.ResultsThe prevalence of male involvement in antenatal care was 69%. More than two-thirds of nursing mothers received physical, psychological and financial support from partners (76%) and attended four or more antenatal visits (85%). Five themes of male perspective of their involvement in antenatal care were generated, including: a) cultural norms and gender roles, b) ignorance of reproductive health service, c) factors outside their control, d) couple interaction and conflicts, and e) institutional obstacles.ConclusionThe prevalence of male partners’ involvement in antenatal care was relatively high. Men’s involvement in antenatal care depended on access to antenatal care education, standards of structure and process of antenatal service and how well their role was defined in the maternal health care system. Interactions and practice in society, employment sector and government health system should complement strategies to promote men’s involvement in maternal health.

MALE PARTICIPATION IN ANTENATAL CARE AND ITS EFFECT ON PREGNANCY

Purpose: Male participation in antenatal care (ANC) is important and contributes to better maternal and neonatal birth outcomes. Deaths among mothers remain a serious burden in the developing countries, including Nigeria. Lack of male involvement in pregnancy related care is one of the contributing factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the level of male participation in ANC. In most countries in the world, promotion of maternal and child health is perceived as women’s role and men do not feel that they are responsible and see no reason to accompany their partners to Antenatal Care (ANC) clinics.&#x0D; Methodology: Cross sectional descriptive survey was used in the study.&#x0D; Findings: It was discovered that male partners do not fully participate in antenatal care due to many factors like low level of education, fear of being tested for HIV, culture and so on. Male partners/husbands are key support persons for many childbearing women and their involvement in pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum/postnatal period has beneficial effects on a wide range of outcomes related to maternal and child health and family wellbeing. Male involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is among interventions to improve maternal health. Globally male involvement in ANC is low and varies in low-income and middle-income countries including Nigeria where most maternal deaths occur. In Sub-Sahara, men are chief decision makers and highly influence maternal health.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory Practice and Policy: It is therefore recommended that male should participate in ANC in order to encourage the wife in the course of pregnancy and promote psychological support.

Male involvement in antenatal care in Agege local government area, Lagos state, Nigeria

Background: Male involvement in antenatal care (ANC) though beneficial remains a global challenge. This study aimed to assess male involvement in ANC among men in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study, carried out between April and November 2017, among 420 men whose partners had at least one birth in the last 5 years, using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Male involvement was graded as good with minimum 50% score. Associations between male involvement and categorical variables were assessed using the chi-square test with the level of significance set at P &lt; 0.05Results: Mean age of the respondents was 43.80 ± 11.42 years. Many (58.6%) had good involvement in antenatal care. Male involvement was statistically significant with age, educational status, occupation and income with p value of 0.004, 0.024, &lt; 0.001and 0.04 respectively.Conclusion: Age, education, occupation and income were significantly associated with male involvement. Young males should be encouraged to pursue formal education and vocational opportunities.

Husband’s involvement in wife’s antenatal care visits in Indonesia: What factors are related?

Background: Involving husbands in maternal and child health programs can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to analyze the factors related to the husband’s involvement in antenatal care (ANC) visits in Indonesia. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study. The research employed secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis units were wives aged 15–49 years old, married, and pregnant in the past 5 years, and the final samples obtained were 14,319 respondents. In addition to the husband’s involvement were residence, age, education, occupation, wealth, and parity. The study used a binary logistic regression test in the final stage. Results: Husbands who lived in urban areas have odds of being involved in ANC visits 1.2 times greater than those in rural areas. The better the husband’s education was, the more involved they were in ANC. The results show husbands who work in any field were better at being involved in ANC. Poorer husbands had odds of being engaged in ANC visits 2.0 times more likely than the husbands’ lowest group. The most prosperous husbands have odds of being involved in ANC visits 5.4 times than the poorest husbands. The husbands’ wealth is better, the more the husbands were engaged in ANC. The more children were born, the less frequent the husbands’ involvement in ANC is. Conclusion: The study concluded five variables associated with husbands’ participation in ANC in Indonesia, including residence, education, occupation, wealth, and parity.