Male Involvement In Antenatal Care Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Knowledge and Perceptions on Antenatal Care among Men in Embakasi South Sub County, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Involving husbands and men in decision-making processes can play a crucial role in antenatal care uptake and utilisation. However, men often lack necessary knowledge and have misleading beliefs and perceptions.Subjects and Method: The current research was an analytical cross sectional study conducted in Embakasi South Sub county, Nairobi, Kenya which sought to assess the knowledge and attitude towards antenatal care among men. Kelsey et al sample size determination formula was used to calculate a sample of 66 subjects. A researcher-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were used in the analysis of data with the help of SPSS.Results: The results in this study showed that slightly above half (57.6%, n=38) of the subjects had low knowledge. Slightly above half (51.5%, n=34) had positive attitudes towards ANC. None of the demographic characteristics was significant to knowledge. There was also no significant associations between demographic characteristics and subjects’ attitudes towards antenatal care. There was a significant association (p =0.048) between knowledge and attitudes. Results showed that subjects with low knowledge were 2.196 times likely to have positive attitudes.Conclusion: These findings highlight the current knowledge gap that exists among men regarding antenatal care. An education intervention program ought to be carried out among men in Embakasi South Sub County and other parts of Nairobi and the country. Community health programs should also build on the positive attitudes towards ANC as found in this study to help improve male involvement in antenatal care and other reproductive health issues.

The fear of social stigma experienced by men: a barrier to male involvement in antenatal care in Misungwi District, rural Tanzania

BackgroundEvidence has shown that male involvement is associated with improved maternal health outcomes. In rural Tanzania, men are the main decision makers and may determine women’s access to health services and ultimately their health outcomes. Despite efforts geared towards enhancing male participation in maternal health care, their involvement in antenatal care (ANC) remains low. One barrier that impacts men’s participation is the fear and experience of social stigma. This study, builds on previous findings about men’s perspectives in attending antenatal care appointments in Misungwi district in Tanzania, examining more closely the fear of social stigma amongst men attending ANC together with their partners.MethodsTwelve individual interviews and five focus group discussions were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires with fathers and expectant fathers. In-depth interviews were conducted with health providers, volunteer community health workers and village leaders. Interviews were audiotaped, and transcripts were transcribed and translated to English. Transcripts were organized in NVivo V.12 then analyzed using thematic approach.ResultsThree main themes were found to create fear of social stigma for men: 1. Fear of HIV testing; 2. Traditional Gender Norms and 3. Insecurity about family social and economic status.ConclusionRespondent’s experiences reveal that fear of social stigma is a major barrier to attend ANC services with their partners. Attention must be given to the complex sociocultural norms and social context that underly this issue at the community level. Strategies to address fear of social stigma require an understanding of the real reasons some men do not attend ANC and require community engagement of community health workers (CHWs), government officials and other stakeholders who understand the local context.

Prevalence and correlates of male partner involvement in antenatal care services in eastern Kenya: a cross-sectional study.

Introductionmale partner involvement in antenatal care (ANC) contributes to improved maternal health outcomes, but has been wanting in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with male involvement in ANC.Methodsthis was a cross-sectional survey conducted in November and December 2019 in Kitui East sub-county, Kenya. We recruited men above 18 years whose spouses had given birth 12-months prior to the study. Data were collected at the household level using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Male involvement was defined as provision of physical, psycho-social, decision-making, and financial support, which was measured through twelve questions. Factor scores of the twelve questions were generated by fitting a Rasch model. Participants who scored at least 75% were involved. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify the independent predictors of male involvement.Resultsa total of 300 participants were interviewed. The mean age was 36.7 years (SD=±7.6), 52.3% had primary level education, 64.3% had between 1-3 children, 44.6% were 5 years older than their spouses, while 37.3% earned between $50-$100 per month. The prevalence of male involvement in ANC was 61% (95%C.I: 55.7%, 66.3%) and was positively associated with previous ANC attendance by the spouse (AOR= 4.96, 95% CI: 2.37, 10.38, p<0.001), having 1-2 and 3-4 children (AOR= 4.57, 95% CI: 1.70, 12.31, p=0.003 and AOR= 4.84, 95% CI: 1.59, 14.79, p=0.006) respectively. On the contrary, participants who lacked knowledge on the minimum ANC visits (AOR= 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.83, p=0.016), unplanned pregnancy (AOR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.48, p<0.001), and individual financial decision-making (AOR= 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.89, p=0.023) were less likely to be involved.Conclusionmore than half of the participants reported involvement in ANC, which was significantly associated with previous ANC experience and having less than four children. Empowering men with knowledge on ANC and joint decision-making with their spouses is imperative in order to improve male involvement.

Contextualising men’s role and participation in PMTCT programmes in Malawi and Zambia: A hegemonic masculinity perspective

ABSTRACT This study sought to explore and contextualise the man’s role in antenatal services, and the barriers and strategies for engaging men in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT). We conducted 143 interviews with pregnant and breastfeeding women, male partners, health workers and policy makers in Malawi and Zambia. We employed thematic and critical discourse analysis using the hegemonic masculinity perspective. We found that men’s roles in PMTCT reflected hegemonic masculinities. As breadwinners, men supported their partners with material and financial resources. As decision makers, men were involved in decision making on the health of their partners. As social protectors, men supported their partners in accessing and adhering to antenatal care, HIV treatment and care. Barriers and challenges to male involvement in antenatal care were often the result of conflict between the clinic operating hours and men’s working hours, the perception of antenatal care services as female spaces, and men’s fear of HIV testing. Proposed strategies to increase male engagement in PMTCT included sensitising men about HIV and pregnancy; engaging leaders and employers, providing services outside working hours, and providing incentives. We conclude that men’s role and participation in PMTCT services are an extension and adaptation of hegemonic masculinities.

Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal and Postnatal Care in Bumula Sub-County, Kenya

Introduction&#x0D; Men play a significant role in health-seeking behaviour of their families. While determinants of men’s involvement in reproductive health matters have been studied, the same are likely to vary on the basis of social context. The objective of this study was to determine socio-demographic, cultural and health facility factors influencing male partner involvement in Antenatal Care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC). Moreover, the study intended to determine perceived benefits of male involvement in ANC and PNC services.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; This was a cross-sectional household survey. Simple random sampling was used to select 398 men and women participants out of 1,716 households in Bumula Sub-County. The men and women interviewed were not necessarily couples. Questionnaires were administered to participants within the households by face-to-face interview. The data collected through the questionnaires were on their sociodemographic, cultural, and health-related factors, and perceived benefits of male involvement in ANC and PNC. Key informant interviews were conducted among 14 health workers.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Participants having college education were more likely to report male involvement (adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.25, 95% CI [1.03-10.25], p=0.044) compared to those with no education. Participants who made joint decisions with partners (p&lt;0.0001) and who viewed PNC as necessary (p=0.021) were more likely to report male involvement. Cultural practices were a major impediment to male involvement because of the portrayal of male dominance in roles of financial support and inferiority if a male accompanies a spouse to a clinic. &#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Education had a favorable influence on male involvement. Cultural practices were a major impediment to male involvement due to its portrayal of male dominance in roles of financial support and inferiority if male accompanies spouse to PNC and ANC. The study recommends intensified health education messaging to increase support for male involvement and a further study to explore specific societal norms and beliefs that undermine male partner participation in ANC and PNC.

Social-Cultural Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care at Anti-Stock - Theft – Unit Kenya

Purpose: Male involvement in antenatal care is a problem identified by different researchers and experienced globally. It is a key component in the optimization of maternal health and universal maternal health achievement. Few men engage in care in developing countries. The current study sought to identify Social-cultural Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care.Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional research design. Simple random sampling was used to sample 334 subjects from 2582 population. Data was gathered using self- administered questionnaires, edited, coded, and organized with help of statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Hypothesis was tested using Chi square tests of independence and information presented using tables and percentages.Results: Majority (92.8%) of subjects were affiliated to religion. On cross tabulation, (100%) of participants who accompanied the partners during the first ANC visit disagreed that religion impairs male partner participating in antenatal care unlike (100%) of those who did not. Chi squire tests of independence was (p=0.047). Majority (77.2%) of the respondents preferred traditional birth attendants for partner’s antenatal care compared to 15.6% for health care workers. On cross tabulation, (93.3%) of the participants who accompanied partners during the first ANC visit indicated that they preferred health care providers to traditional birth attendants while 81.8% of those who did not accompany the partners indicated preference for traditional birth attendants and 9.1% preferred care workers. Chi squire tests of (independence (p=0.001).Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Male partner involvement in maternal health is desirable at the study area and there is need of social supports such as informational, appraisal, instrumental and emotional supports to enhance physical, psychological well-being, social integration and social ties. Researcher highlights the need to address religion and traditional birth attendants’ reliance which were found significant and established as barriers of male partner participating in ANC and causes of low ANC attendances among pregnant women. Further, policy change is advocated so that the government can pass laws which oblige men to be responsible for pregnant partners by accompanying them to ANC, knowing ANC schedules, discussing interventions, supporting the ANC fees if applicable, and knowing what happens at the ANC during the current pregnancy.

Leaving no one behind: using action research to promote male involvement in maternal and child health in Iringa region, Tanzania

IntroductionMale involvement has been reported to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. However, most studies in low-income and middle-income countries have reported low participation of men in MCH-related programmes....

Improving male involvement in antenatal care in low and middle-income countries to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV: A realist review.

BackgroundChildhood Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection occurs almost exclusively via mother to child transmission (MTCT) during pregnancy, birth, or through breastfeeding. Recent studies have shown that male involvement (MI) in antenatal care (ANC) and HIV testing, including couples voluntary counselling and testing (CVCT), increases the likelihood that women will adhere to prevention advice and comply with HIV treatment if required during their pregnancy; hence reducing the rates of MTCT of HIV. This realist review investigates how, why, when, and for whom MI in ANC works best to provide contextual advice on how MI in ANC can be best used for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.MethodsA realist review of existing evidence was conducted. Realist review seeks to explain how and why an intervention works, or does not work, in a given context. This was completed through the five stages of realist synthesis; Eliciting the program theory, search strategy, study selection criteria, data extraction, and data analysis and synthesis. Findings are presented as context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations outlining the mechanisms that work in given contexts to give an outcome.ResultsThree CMO configurations were developed. These describe that 1) Couples in monogamous relationships have higher levels of trust, commitment and security leading to increased uptake of PMTCT programs together; 2) ANC spaces that make ‘male friendly’ adaptions promote normalisation of MI in PMTCT and are more welcoming, leading to increased willingness of male partners to participate in ANC; and 3) couples and communities with higher health literacy encourage increased informed decision making, ownership, and responsibility and thus increased participation in PMTCT of HIV.ConclusionsThe CMOs developed in this review give contextual advice on how one might improve ANC services to increase MI and help reduce MTCT of HIV. We propose that MI in ANC works best where couples are monogamous and trusting, where ANC spaces actively promote being a ‘male friendly space’ and where there are high levels of community education programs around MTCT.

Association between male involvement during antenatal care and use of maternal health services in Mwanza City, Northwestern Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMale 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 Tanzania where...