Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health (May 2024)
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.
