Does participation of male in maternal health care matters: perspective of women

Abstract

Childbirth is a welcome event for families which bears significant risk to the

health of mother. As men are regarded as the decision makers in our

societies, a wise decision and proper care can promote the health of mother

and child, reduce the complications and also increase the utilization of

maternal health care services. The aim of this study is to assess the

participation of male in maternal health care and to find out the attitude of

female towards participation of male in maternal health care.

A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted in this study.

Sample size was 362 married women of reproductive age having less than 1

year of child. Purposive and Snowball sampling technique was used to reach

the respondents. Data was collected by using Semi-structured interview

schedule. The study results shows that most 243(67.13%) of the respondents

belonged to 20-29 years and 173 (47.79%) respondent's husbands belonged to 30-39 years. Majority 347

(95.86%) of the respondents had monogamous marriage relationship. During the antenatal period, 244

(68.54%) respondent's husbands accompanied their partners for ANC visit, 315 (87.02%) husbands

discussed/planned for the place of birth, 255 (70.44%) husbands arranged for the means of transportation and

340 (93.92%) arranged/discussed with their partners about money. During delivery, 281 (77.62%) husbands

were present at the birthplace. During the postnatal period, 235 (64.92%) husbands assisted their partners to

breastfeed child. One hundred and thirty two (37.02 %) husbands discussed about the methods of family

planning with their wife. All the 362 (100%) respondents had favorable attitude towards the participation of

males in maternal health care. The total attitude score was 90. The maximum score was 90 and the minimum

score was 52. The mean score was 73.4+ 7.

The participation of male has increased in various aspects of maternal health care. However, it was low in the

areas of immunization of child and discussion about the family planning methods. Also, the women have

positive attitude towards the participation of male in maternal health.