Involvement In Reproductive Health Research Articles

A Longitudinal Characterization of the Seminal Microbiota and Antibiotic Resistance in Yearling Beef Bulls Subjected to Different Rates of Gain.

In this study, we evaluated the seminal and fecal microbiota in yearling beef bulls fed a common diet to achieve moderate (1.13 kg/day) or high (1.80 kg/day) rates of weight gain. Semen samples were collected on days 0 and 112 of dietary intervention (n = 19/group) as well as postbreeding (n = 6/group) using electroejaculation, and the microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and culturing. The fecal microbiota was also evaluated, and its similarity with seminal microbiota was assessed. A subset of seminal bacterial isolates (n = 33) was screened for resistance against 28 antibiotics. A complex and dynamic microbiota was detected in bovine semen, and the community structure was affected by sampling time (R2 = 0.16, P < 0.001). Microbial richness increased significantly from day 0 to day 112, and diversity increased after breeding (P > 0.05). Seminal microbiota remained unaffected by the differential rates of gain, and its overall composition was distinct from fecal microbiota, with only 6% of the taxa shared between them. A total of 364 isolates from 49 different genera were recovered under aerobic and anaerobic culturing. Among these seminal isolates were pathogenic species and those resistant to several antibiotics. Overall, our results suggest that bovine semen harbors a rich and complex microbiota which changes over time and during the breeding season but appears to be resilient to differential gains achieved via a common diet. Seminal microbiota is distinct from the fecal microbiota and harbors potentially pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacterial species. IMPORTANCE Increasing evidence from human and other animal species supports the existence of a commensal microbiota in semen and that this seminal microbiota may influence not only sperm quality and fertility but also female reproduction. Seminal microbiota in bulls and its evolution and factors shaping this community, however, remain largely underexplored. In this study, we characterized the seminal microbiota of yearling beef bulls and its response to the bull age, different weight gains, and mating activity. We compared bacterial composition between seminal and fecal microbiota and evaluated the diversity of culturable seminal bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance. Our results obtained from sequencing, culturing, and antibiotic susceptibility testing provide novel information on the taxonomic composition, evolution, and factors shaping the seminal microbiota of yearling beef bulls. This information will serve as an important basis for further understanding of the seminal microbiome and its involvement in reproductive health and fertility in cattle.

Men’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions on Family Planning in Tourourou Village, Gogui Rural Commune, Nioro Circle, Kayes Region of Mali

Introduction: The involvement of men in reproductive health programmes and more specifically in family planning has always been of concern to the various development actors at both national and international levels. Objective: To study the births, ideas and opinions of men on Family Planning in the village of Tourourou. Material and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study from February 1 to July 31, 2020 in the village of TOUROUROU on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Men on Family Planning. We included in our study, all men residing in TOUROUROU whose age is between 14 and 99 years, who agreed to participate in the study. Results: Our study involved 200 men. The 25 - 29 age group was the most represented with 25.5%. The Soninke had represented 41%. In our study, 97.5% of men had heard of family planning, 62% had spontaneously cited at least one modern contraceptive method, and the pill ranked first with 64.5%. Radio and friends were the most frequent sources of information with 57.5% and 54.5% respectively. Birth spacing was the most cited family planning goal by men in 43.5% of cases. Men supported the practice of family planning in 50.5% of cases. Conclusion: In the village of Tourourou men play a crucial role in decision-making concerning the health of the couple and the family, their effective involvement in Reproductive Health especially in Family Planning will contribute enormously to the improvement of the health of the family.

\u201cI had to change my attitude\u201d: narratives of most significant change explore the experience of universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses in Bauchi State, Nigeria

BackgroundUniversal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses in Bauchi State, northern Nigeria, discussed local evidence about maternal and child health risks actionable by households. The expected results chain for improved health behaviours resulting from the visits was based on the CASCADA model, which includes Conscious knowledge, Attitudes, Subjective norms, intention to Change, Agency to change, Discussion of options, and Action to change. Previous quantitative analysis confirmed the impact of the visits on maternal and child outcomes. To explore the mechanisms of the quantitative improvements, we analysed participants’ narratives of changes in their lives they attributed to the visits.MethodsLocal researchers collected stories of change from 23 women and 21 men in households who had received home visits, from eight male and eight female home visitors, and from four government officers attached to the home visits program. We used a deductive thematic analysis based on the CASCADA results chain to analyze stories from women and men in households, and an inductive thematic approach to analyze stories from home visitors and government officials.ResultsThe stories from the visited women and men illustrated all steps in the CASCADA results chain. Almost all stories described increases in knowledge. Stories also described marked changes in attitudes and positive deviations from harmful subjective norms. Most stories recounted a change in behaviour attributed to the home visits, and many went on to mention a beneficial outcome of the behaviour change. Men, as well as women, described significant changes. The home visitors’ stories described increases in knowledge, increased self-confidence and status in the community, and, among women, financial empowerment.ConclusionsThe narratives of change gave insights into likely mechanisms of impact of the home visits, at least in the Bauchi setting. The compatibility of our findings with the CASCADA results chain supports the use of this model in designing and analysing similar interventions in other settings. The indication that the home visits changed male engagement has broader relevance and contributes to the ongoing debate about how to increase male involvement in reproductive health.

Impact of home visits to pregnant women and their spouses on gender norms and dynamics in Bauchi State, Nigeria: Narratives from visited men and women.

Background:Maternal and newborn child health are priority concerns in Bauchi State, northern Nigeria. Increased male involvement in reproductive health is recommended by the World Health Organization. A trial of a program of universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses, with an intention to increase male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth, showed improvements in actionable risk factors and in maternal morbidity. We used a narrative technique to explore experiences of the visits and their effect on gender roles and dynamics within the households.Methods:Trained fieldworkers collected narratives of change from 23 visited women and 21 visited men. After translation of the stories into English, we conducted an inductive thematic analysis to examine the impact of the visits on gender norms and dynamics.Results:The analysis indicated that the visits improved men’s support for antenatal care, immunization, and seeking help for danger signs, increased spousal communication, and led to changes in perceptions about gender violence and promoted non-violent gender relationships. However, although some stories described increased spousal communication, they did not mention that this translated into shared decision-making or increased autonomy for women. Many of the men’s stories described a continuing paternalistic, male-dominant position in decision-making.Conclusions:Few studies have examined the gender-transformative potential of interventions to promote male involvement in reproductive health; our analysis provides some initial insights into this.

Men's involvement in women's reproductive health: A community-based mixed-method study

Female dominion in family planning has underestimated men's participation in female reproductive health. To assess male's involvement in female reproductive health with regard to safe motherhood and family planning and to explore the factors influencing the participation of males in reproductive and sexual health. A community-based, mixed-method study was conducted from May 2018 to January 2019 in urban Puducherry. All eligible couples with at least one child were included. Two-stage random sampling with a sample size of 373 was considered. Data were collected separately among spouses using epi-collect 5 and analyzed using the SPSS software version 23. Qualitative data were obtained using free-listing and pile-sorting techniques, analyzed in Anthropac software. 39.9% had planned their pregnancy. Only 33.5% of couples had decided together with the place of delivery. 76.7% of wives wish to involve their husbands in family planning. 88.2% of wives and 89.8% of husbands chose tubectomy as the preferred method of permanent contraception. Both husband and wife were involved in child rearing among 60.3% of participants. The changing dynamics of society, health-care provider initiative, and literacy level favored males' involvement in females' reproductive health. Men were involved in planning the pregnancy, supporting their spouse by accompanying for antenatal checkups, discussing with their partners about the complications faced during pregnancy. Health care facility-related factors and faith were perceived as hindering factors for males' involvement in reproductive health by either gender.

Differential Composition of Vaginal Microbiome, but Not of Seminal Microbiome, Is Associated With Successful Intrauterine Insemination in Couples With Idiopathic Infertility: A Prospective Observational Study.

BackgroundVaginal and seminal microbiomes have gained increasing interest for their involvement in reproductive health and fertility. However, their role in reproductive outcome is not fully understood yet. In this study, we aimed to correlate the vaginal and the seminal microbiome of 23 couples with idiopathic infertility to the clinical pregnancy rate after intrauterine insemination (IUI).MethodsVaginal swabs and seminal fluids were collected on the day of IUI procedure and analyzed through polymerase chain reaction amplification of variable regions 3 and 4 (V3–V4) of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid genes and Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The taxonomic data were then correlated to IUI success.ResultsIdiopathic infertile women showed a different average composition of vaginal microbiome compared with control sequences, whereas for seminal counterpart no relevant differences were observed. Furthermore, among idiopathic infertile women, different patterns of Lactobacillus species dominations were observed, with a predominance either of Lactobacillus crispatus, a marker of a healthy vaginal ecosystem, or of Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus gasseri, associated with a more dysbiosis-prone environment. More important, considering all investigated variables, vaginal L crispatus domination was the only factor strongly associated to IUI success (P = .0002).ConclusionsOur results strengthen the potential role of L crispatus in promoting a favorable environment for pregnancy and suggest that microbiome characterization could be useful, together with standard clinical and laboratory assessments, in the pre-IUI evaluation of infertile couples.

Predictors of age at first child’s birth and contraceptive use among men in Uganda

Background: Globally, research on age at first child’s birth among men has been neglected especially in Africa. Consequently, little is known about its impact on male involvement in reproductive health. This paper examined the socio-demographic, economic and proximate predictors of age at first child’s birth among men aged 15-54 years in Uganda. Methods: We used the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) on a sample of 3,206 men aged 15-54 years who had a biological child. The outcome variable was age at first childbirth categorized as: below 17, 18-24 and 25 years and above (25+). Analysis was done using descriptive statistics, un-adjusted and adjusted multinomial regressions with significance level at 95%. Results: Median age at first child’s birth was 22 years (IQR = 20-25). The majority of men (62.4%) had fatherhood onset between 18 and 24 years. Only 5.2% had fatherhood onset at 17 years or earlier, increasing to 32.4% at 25+. Respondents whose first sexual encounter was before 18 years was 44.3% and 92.7% by 24+. Few respondents (44.1%) reported use of any contraceptive methods. Anglican religion (RRR=1.62; CI 1.06 – 2.46) or not having attended school (RRR=2.20; CI 1.02-4.71) were predictors of childbirth onset before 17 years. Age of sex debut at 18 years or higher (RRR= 2.09, CI 1.72 – 2.54) and secondary and above education (RRR = 1.76, CI 1.42-2.18) were predictors of fatherhood onset at 25+. Contraceptive use among men had no association with age at first child’s birth. Conclusion: These findings are important for strategic allocation of resources to curb early onset of fatherhood among adolescent and young men under the age of 25 years. They highlight the need for gender-sensitive interventions targeting men for behavioral change, participation in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) programming and improved access to services delivery.

Prevalence of unintended pregnancy and associated factors among married women in west Belessa Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia, 2016

BackgroundUnintended pregnancies can have adverse physical, mental, social, and economic outcomes. Illegal abortions and associated complications often follow unintended pregnancies and claim the lives of many women in developing countries. To better understand how unintended pregnancy impacts married women, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of unintended pregnancies and associated factors among married pregnant women in West Belessa woreda, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2015.. A multistage stratified sampling technique was used to select nine kebeles, to participate in the study. A total of 619 married pregnant women were selected from these kebeles by the simple random sampling technique and data were collected with a structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the unintended pregnancies. A p-value of < 0.05 in the multi-variable model was used to identify significance.ResultA total of 592 married pregnant women were surveyed regarding their intention to become pregnant. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 13.7%. Age at pregnancy (AOR: 15.2, 95% CI (1.9, 125.2)), history of stillbirth (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI (1.4, 7.9)), discussing pregnancy related issues with husbands (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI (1.1, 5.0)), making family planning decisions on their own (AOR: 0.4, (0.2, 0.8)), and making family planning decisions with their husbands (AOR: 95% CI 0.2 (0.1, 0.4)) were significantly associated with unintended pregnancies in this group.ConclusionThe magnitude of unintended pregnancy in the study area was low. Age at pregnancy, history of stillbirth and involvement of partners in making reproductive health choices were associated with unintended pregnancies. Empowering women to make family planning decisions and increasing partner involvement in reproductive health could decrease unintended pregnancies.

Factors influencing male participation in reproductive health: a qualitative study.

IntroductionMale involvement in reproductive health is an essential component in promoting maternal and family health. In Nepal, men are not actively engaged in most maternal and child health (MCH) services nor in other reproductive health programs. There is a need to know about the understanding of key professionals in such practices. This study explores gendered perspectives among teachers and health professionals to understand the factors contributing to male involvement in reproductive health.MethodsThe data were collected through two focus group discussions (FGDs) and seven key informant interviews (KIIs). FGDs were held among male teachers of selected schools, and KIIs were conducted with health professionals of the health post of Bungamati, Lalitpur. An unstructured interview guide was used to explore their experiences and perceptions. All KIIs and FGDs were recorded, translated and transcribed verbatim.ResultsFindings show limited male involvement in reproductive health. Participants reported several hindering and challenging factors such as sociocultural and psychological norms, lack of education, and misinformation and dominance of female as health care providers in many MCH clinics. Perceived motivating factors included positive attitude in men, literacy and awareness, inclusion of reproductive health in school curriculum and certain incentives. Participants also recommended a range of strategies for increasing men’s involvement in reproductive health in Nepal.ConclusionMen’s education and attitude, knowledge and awareness, sociocultural factors, psychological factors, health system factors, and policies play important roles in male involvement in reproductive health. Programs on effective implementation of men involvement in reproductive health initiatives should address the barriers and challenges to men’s supportive activities. This study also suggests increasing literacy of reproductive health among men that enhances their positivity and motivates them to participate in reproductive health services.

Male involvement in antenatal and natal care practices of their partners – a community-based study in rural area of North Karnataka

Introduction: Male involvement, an all-encompassing term which refers to the various ways in which men relate to reproductive health problems and programmes, reproductive rights and reproductive behaviour. Objective: To assess the level of male involvement in the antenatal and natal care practices of women residing in Gadag. Methodology: A cross sectional study conducted in rural areas of Gadag. 100 Male partners of parous women formed the study group. They were interviewed regarding the reproductive profile of their partners and their level of knowledge and involvement in the Antenatal and natal health care utilisation. Perceptions regarding male involvement in reproductive health were also assessed. Results: 81% male partner accompanied their wives for at least one antenatal visit. Only 41% were aware of the complications which can occur during pregnancy, anemia being the most commonly known complication. 50% confessed that they could not spend quality time with their partners during pregnancy due to work and other restrictions. With reference to the autonomy regarding decision making about vital events, the participants were given freedom only about the age of their marriage. Other decisions regarding use of family planning, antenatal care, newborn care, immunisation of child was taken by the elders in the family. Traditional male roles were cited as the most common reason for low male participation. Conclusion: In addition to the benefits for women and children, male involvement has potential benefits for men. Thus, programmes should be implemented based on the understanding of gender dynamics, on how decisions are made and implemented, on the changing needs of both genders and their interaction.

Attendance of male partners to different reproductive health services in Shinyanga District, North western Tanzania

Background: Male involvement in reproductive health (RH) services in Africa has been associated with improved maternal and child health outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors affecting male partner attendance to available reproductive health services in Shinyanga district, north-western Tanzania.Methods: A house to house survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among randomly selected married men. Additional in-depth interviews were conducted among married men found attending RH services. Factors that motivates the uptake of locally available RH services together with their partners were explored.Results: A total of 204 men participated in the study, 94.4 % (193/204) of them reported to have ever attended the RH service with their female partners at least once whereas 50.6% (103/204) of them attended at least thrice. Three quarters (154/204) attended HIV counselling and testing (VCT) and 63% (129/204) attended antenatal services (ANC). Reported attendance to sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs), prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child (PMTCT), and reproductive health cancer services were all less than 13%. The male partners age group (25-34 years; χ2=9.347, df =3 p-value &lt; 0.001), female partner invitation to HR services (χ2= 29.901, df=1, p-value &lt;0.001) and having less than 2 children (χ2= 6.201, df= 2, p-value &lt; 0.05) were associated with higher RH service attendance. Only 20% (4/20) of married men attended RH because they expected better health outcomes in their presence whilst majority attended because they were summoned or just happen to be at the clinic for other purposes.Conclusion: The male attendance to RH services together with their female partners’ in rural Shinyanga was mainly focused ANC and VCT. Most of men attended because were verbally invited by their partners. Education on couple communication empowerment among women attending RH clinics could sustainably improve attendance to all RH services.

Factors associated with male involvement in reproductive care in Bangladesh

BackgroundMen’s active involvement in reproductive healthcare has shown to be positively associated with maternal and child health outcomes. Bangladesh has made appreciable progress in its pursuance of maternal mortality related goals in the framework of the MDGs. However, there remains a lot to be accomplished to realise the long-term goals for which active participation of male counterparts in reproductive care is crucial. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate factors associated with male involvement in reproductive health among Bangladeshi men.MethodsWe used data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) conducted in 2011. Study participants were 1196 married men, aged between 15 and 69 years and living in both urban and rural households. Level of male involvement (outcome variable) was measured based on the responses on knowledge, awareness and practice regarding reproductive health. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models were performed for data analysis.ResultsOut of 1196 participants, only 40% were found to be active about partners’ reproductive healthcare. Chi-square test showed significant association between active involvement and ever hearing about family planning (FP) in television, learning about FP through community health events, community health workers and poster/billboard. Results from logistic regression analysis revealed that type of residency [p = 0.004, AOR = 0.666, 95% CI = 0.504–0.879], literacy [secondary/higher education- p = 0.006. AOR = 0.579, 95% CI = 0.165–0.509], learning about family planning from Newspaper [p < 0.001. AOR = 1.952, 95% CI = 1.429–2.664], and television [p = 0.017. AOR = 1.514 95% CI = 1.298–1.886], and having been communicated about family planning by community health workers [p = 0.017. AOR = 1.946, 95% CI = 1.129–3.356] were significantly associated with active involvement of men in reproductive health issues.ConclusionsLevel of male involvement was associated with schooling experience, type of residency and exposure to electronic media. National health policy programs aimed at promoting male involvement in reproductive care should focus on improving knowledge and awareness of reproductive health though community health education programs with a special focus in the rural areas.

Development of model to facilitate male involvement in the reproductive health context by the registered nurses

The purpose of this article is to describe the process followed in the development of the model of facilitating male partner involvement in reproductive health (RH) context by the nurses. Namibia is one of the African countries affected by cultural and socio-economic influences that have persuaded gender roles in a way that hinders male-partner involvement in RH context. This phenomenon make difficult for the nurses to facilitate their involvement.The research methods were done in four phases. Phase 1 entitled concepts analysis. Phase one was done into two steps namely step1 - concepts identification and step 2 - concepts definition. During concept identification, qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was followed. The target population included male and female partners attending health facilities and all nurse managers (registered nurses in charge) that provided RH services in the health facility in a northern region in Namibia. Individual interviews and focus were conducted until data saturation occurred. During the research three fundamental principles such as respect person, beneficence and justice were adhered. Tech’s eight steps of descriptive data analysis were used. Three (3) main categories, six (6) categories and twelve (12) subcategories were identified using open coding and conceptualization. The main concepts of the model were identified and classified using a survey list of Dickoff, James, Wiedenba (Dickoff,James, Wiedenbach, 1968; Mckenna, 2006). Phase 2 dealt with the creation of interrelationship statements between concepts identified in step 1. In phase 3 focuses with the description of the model using strategies proposed by (Chinn &amp; Kramer, 1991). In phase 4, the description of guidelines and evaluation for the model was also done. The applied the principle of trustworthiness through developing dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability in all four phases.A model was developed based on a theory generated approach. The model consist of five phase namely, situational analysis in the external environment (community) and internal environment (health facilities); establishment of partnership (male and female partner and Nurses), management process, maintaining the conducive environment and control &amp; terminus/ outcome phase. It was concluded that facilitation of Male involvement in RH care context is needed. Further the recommendations were made to implement a model within the current health care framework in which reproductive health is provided.

Men's Knowledge of Obstetric Danger Signs, Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Rural Tanzania.

BackgroundMen’s involvement in reproductive health is recommended. Their involvement in antenatal care service is identified as important in maternal health. Awareness of obstetric danger signs facilitates men in making a joint decision with their partners regarding accessing antenatal and delivery care. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge of obstetric complications among men in a rural community in Tanzania, and to determine their involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted where 756 recent fathers were invited through a two-stage cluster sampling procedure. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of danger signs and steps taken on birth preparedness and complication readiness. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with being prepared, with statistically significant level at p<0.05.ResultsAmong the invited men, 95.9% agreed to participate in the community survey. Fifty-three percent could mention at least one danger sign during pregnancy, 43.9% during delivery and 34.6% during the postpartum period. Regarding birth preparedness and complication readiness, 54.3% had bought birth kit, 47.2% saved money, 10.2% identified transport, 0.8% identified skilled attendant. In general, only 12% of men were prepared. Birth preparedness was associated with knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.8-2.6). It was less likely for men living in the rural area to be prepared (AOR=0.6, 95% CI; 0.5-0.8).ConclusionThere was a low level of knowledge of obstetric danger signs among men in a rural district in Tanzania. A very small proportion of men had prepared for childbirth and complication readiness. There was no effect of knowledge of danger signs during childbirth and postpartum period on being prepared. Innovative strategies that increase awareness of danger signs as well as birth preparedness and complication readiness among men are required. Strengthening counseling during antenatal care services that involve men together with partners is recommended.

Interventions for male involvement in pregnancy and labour: A systematic review

Male involvement in pregnancy and labour care has been shown to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Nevertheless, it continues to be low, especially in low income countries. Several interventions have been suggested for supporting male involvement in reproductive health and maternity care, but no assessment has been made in terms of their effectiveness. The objective of this review was to summarise and evaluate the current evidence related to male partner involvement in maternal health. Three databases were searched electronically. This review included two randomised controlled trials and two observational studies. Two interventions emerged from the review: facility-based couple health education and workplace-based health education. These interventions showed positive outcomes regarding the presence of partners during antenatal visits, postpartum visits, childbirth, and the initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth among others. More rigorous research is needed into strategies for, and the effect of, including men in maternal and newborn health.

Barriers to male involvement in contraceptive uptake and reproductive health services: a qualitative study of men and women’s perceptions in two rural districts in Uganda

BackgroundSpousal communication can improve family planning use and continuation. Yet, in countries with high fertility rates and unmet need, men have often been regarded as unsupportive of their partner’s use of family planning methods. This study examines men and women’s perceptions regarding obstacles to men’s support and uptake of modern contraceptives.MethodsA qualitative study using 18 focus group discussions (FGDs) with purposively selected men aged 15–54 and women aged 15–49 as well as eight key informant interviews (KIIs) with government and community leaders was conducted in 2012 in Bugiri and Mpigi Districts, Uganda. Open-ended question guides were used to explore men and women’s perceptions regarding barriers to men’s involvement in reproductive health. All FGDs and KIIs were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti.ResultsFive themes were identified as rationale for men’s limited involvement: (i) perceived side effects of female contraceptive methods which disrupt sexual activity, (ii) limited choices of available male contraceptives, including fear and concerns relating to vasectomy, (iii) perceptions that reproductive health was a woman’s domain due to gender norms and traditional family planning communication geared towards women, (iv) preference for large family sizes which are uninhibited by prolonged birth spacing; and (v) concerns that women’s use of contraceptives will lead to extramarital sexual relations. In general, knowledge of effective contraceptive methods was high. However, lack of time and overall limited awareness regarding the specific role of men in reproductive health was also thought to deter men’s meaningful involvement in issues related to fertility regulation.ConclusionDecision-making on contraceptive use is the shared responsibility of men and women. Effective development and implementation of male-involvement family planning initiatives should address barriers to men’s supportive participation in reproductive health, including addressing men's negative beliefs regarding contraceptive services.

Male involvement during pregnancy and childbirth: men’s perceptions, practices and experiences during the care for women who developed childbirth complications in Mulago Hospital, Uganda

BackgroundDevelopment of appropriate interventions to increase male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth is vital to strategies for improving health outcomes of women with obstetric complications. The objective was to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences of male involvement in their partners’ healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. The findings might inform interventions for increasing men’s involvement in reproductive health issues.MethodsWe conducted 16 in-depth interviews with men who came to the hospital to attend to their spouses/partners admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital. All the spouses/partners had developed severe obstetric complications and were admitted in the high dependency unit. We sought to obtain detailed descriptions of men’s experiences, their perception of an ideal “father” and the challenges in achieving this ideal status. We also assessed perceived strategies for increasing male participation in their partners’ healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. Data was analyzed by content analysis.ResultsThe identified themes were: Men have different descriptions of their relationships; responsibility was an obligation; ideal fathers provide support to mothers during childbirth; the health system limits male involvement in childbirth; men have no clear roles during childbirth, and exclusion and alienation in the hospital environment. The men described qualities of the ideal father as one who was available, easily reached, accessible and considerate. Most men were willing to learn about their expected roles during childbirth and were eager to support their partners/wives/spouses during this time. However, they identified personal, relationship, family and community factors as barriers to their involvement. They found the health system unwelcoming, intimidating and unsupportive. Suggestions to improve men’s involvement include creating more awareness for fathers, male-targeted antenatal education and support, and changing provider attitudes.ConclusionsThis study generates information on perceived roles, expectations, experiences and challenges faced by men who wish to be involved in maternal health issues, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. There is discord between the policy and practice on male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth. Health system factors that are critical to promoting male involvement in women’s health issues during pregnancy and childbirth need to be addressed.

Assessment of Husbands’ Participation on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Enderta Woreda, Tigray Region, Ethiopia, 2012

Background: Male involvement in reproductive health has been promoted as a promising new strategy for improving maternal and child health. The promotion of husband participation in the process of antenatal care and in preparations for the delivery is very important. Objective: To assess husband participation on birth preparedness and complication readiness in Enderta Woreda, Tigray region, Ethiopia, 2012. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 husbands whose wives was delivered within the last 12 months preceding the study in Enderta Woreda northern part of Ethiopia from August to September 2012. Multi stage stratified sampling technique with Probabilities proportional to size was used. Study subjects again were selected by systematic random sampling technique from 10 randomly selected kebelle’s in the Woreda. Data was collected using structured interview questionnaire and entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPPS version 16.0 statically package software. Result: The study revealed that about 60.4% husbands had good practice and participated on birth preparedness. And regarding the husbands complication readiness practice in the labor and delivery, 193 (51.30%) of the respondents were reported that their wives were delivered by skilled birth attendant and the role of those husbands, 174(46.30%) were told their wife to get skilled birth attendant, 152(42.00%) were informed to health facility for their place of childbirth, 99(26.30%) were accompanied their wife to labor room, and 59 (15.70%) had gave money for health services and transportation. In addition, 75(19.90%) of all respondents perceived the actual complications faced for their wives during that delivery. The respondents major source of information about birth preparedness and complication readiness where, 43.6% heard from health care providers, 23% from Radio/television, and 21.3% discussion with different peoples. Conclusion and recommendation: Husbands have good practice in birth preparedness, but poor participation in complication readiness of maternity care. The community should be informed husbands to participate in complication readiness, generate income for the normal maternal health care and considering complications in pregnancy, labor and after labor, education for the female youth and promotion of facility birth, health education about husbands’ birth preparedness of wife and other studies to be conducted on the husband involvement in maternal health care service.

Men’s participation during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum and

Background and aim Increasing global approach to men's participation in care and reproductive health programs, in the past 15 years, has created a need to research on men’s encouragement to take responsibility for their families’ health through Men's participation. Therefore, the aim the present study is to determine men's participation in reproductive health care programs during pregnancy, in health clinics affiliated to Shahid Behshti University of Medical Sciences. In 1388. Material & methods: This was a descriptive study on 400 cases that had at least one child under 2 years and familly file in health clinics coverage Shahid Beheshti University. Sampling was multi-stage cluster Nonrandomized and research instrument was a questionnaire Findings According to the findings of the study, the mean age of participant was (37/27±5/56). (60/2 Percent) had a child and pregnancy in (24/8 Percent) was scheduled. Generally (74/2 Percent) men demonstrated good cooperation and participation and (0/25) had relative participation (89/0Percent) men had good knowledge and (11/0 Percent) had relative knowledge. There was Significant relationship between participation and education (p<0/0001), If higher education participation was low. There was Significant relationship between participation and job involvement (p<0/004). There was highest participation (83/9 Percent) in men whose job was lndependent. Also between the term Marriage and Participation was found Significant relationship (p<0/0001). There was Significant relationship between kind of Pregnancy and participation (P<0/0001) if It was planned to increase participation. Conclusions: The results of this research imply good men , s participation during pregnancy and childbirth that showe good oppurtunity for education and counseling before pregnancy that is good oppurtunity for Training men by expert person can enhance men , s participation during pregnancy and childbirth. Keywords: men's participation, prenatal care, delivery *Corresponding Author: Sharareh Jannesari, Lecturer, Dept of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. E-mail :shararehjannesari@gmail.com Alipoor B Sattari F (2010). [Male participation in prenatal care]. Behvarz Faslname. 19(2)40-41.(Persian) . http://www.magiran.com/temp/mag-pdf/272013/1586-20457240-B91.pdf„ -Carter M, Speizer I (2005). Salvadoran fathers´ attendance at prenatal care, delivery and postpartum care.Revista Panamericana Salud Publica. 18 (3) 149-156 -Dellmann T (2004). The best moment of my life: A literature review of father's experience of child birth. Australian Midwifery.17 (3) 20-26. http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ausmid/article/PIIS1448827204800142/abstract -Dragonas TG (1992).Greek fathers participation in labour and care of the infant. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Science.6 (3) 151-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1439376 -Ghandi M (2009). [Male participation in maternal health]. Women´ s mahnameh.147 I 88. (Persian). http://www.magiran.com/magtoc.asp?mgID=1095& -Gruskin S Cottingham J Hilber AM et al (2008).Using human rights to improve maternal and neonatal health: history, connections and a proposed practical approach. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/8/07-050500/en /print. html (Accessed on 30/05/2010). http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/86/8/07-050500/en/index.html Kinanee J Ezekiel-Hart J (2009) Men as partners in maternal health: Implications for reproductive health counselling in Rivers State, Nigeria. African Journal of Psychology and Counseling Vol. 1 (3), pp. 039–044. -Orji EO Adegbenro CO Moses OO etal (2007). Men´ s involvement in safe motherhood. Journal of Turkish- German Gynecology Association.8 (3) 240 -248. -Rahman MM (2009).Factors associated with delivery assistance: Dose differentials exist between Rural and Urban areas in Bangladesh? The Internet Journal of Family Practice 7(2)38-49 -Soul Sista. Inactive (2007). Men: Effective Partners for Safe Motherhood. http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/lounge/11259-men-effective-partners-safe-motherhood.html -World Health Organization (2007). Maternal Mortality in 2005: Estimates Developed by UNICEF and UNFPA. Geneva: World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/whosis/mme_2005.pdfw -World Health Organization (2005). The World Health Report: 2005: Make Every Mother and Child Count, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2005 World Health Organization (2002). http://www.who.int/whr/2005/02_ contents_en.pdf -World Health Organization. Programming For Male Involvement in Reproductive Health. Report of the meeting of WHO Regional Advisers in Reproductive Health WHO /PAHO Washington DC, USA, 5–7 September 2001, World Health Organization, Geneva, http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002

Semen Loss and Sexual Anxiety Among Young Unmarried Men: Being Young and Vulnerable in Rural India

Premarital sex remains stigmatized even as the unmarried period of life is lengthening in India. This paper examines how young unmarried men in rural central India conceptualize and understand their sexual health and vulnerability. The data is qualitative, derived from four focus group discussions (N = 38 persons) of young unmarried males that were carried out in conjunction with a larger study on male involvement in reproductive health in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in 2005. Young, unmarried rural men experience a wide range of functional situations which are culturally defined as health problems, such as “weakness,” thought to be caused by masturbation, nocturnal ejaculations, and the loss of semen. Despite constraints on communication on sexuality with married men, young unmarried men largely share with them the culturally hegemonic notion of semen loss as a health hazard. All four discussions pointed to the negative image of psycho-physiological changes related to maturation and further, to the belief that the reproductive functions of men can render them vulnerable and even harm them. Sexual anxiety in young men may in part reflect young men’s socially dependent and insecure life situation and social suffering. Young, unmarried rural men see marriage as the only release from sexual health problems although temporary relief is sought from private health care providers. In the future, men’s unmarried life stage is bound to lengthen in rural India, and consequently sexual health prior to the commencement of active intercourse should receive more attention in public health services and sex education.