Factors Associated with Male Involvement in Institutional Child Delivery Services of Their Partner in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Meseret Alemu,1 Girmay Adhena,2 Nega Assefa,3 Yadeta Dessie3 1Department of Reproductive Health, Lemmo District Health Office, Hossana, Southern Ethiopia; 2Department of Reproductive Health, International Medical Corps, Gambella, Ethiopia; 3School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Girmay Adhena, Email [email protected]: Male partner involvement in reproductive health services is an important strategy to decrease maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Despite this, little attention is given to this issue around the globe, particularly in Africa, where male dominance is high. This study aimed to assess male partner involvement in institutional delivery services in Lemmo district, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 male participants. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study samples. A structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Male involvement in institutional delivery was measured using six yes or no items. The participants were asked if they communicated with relatives and health care providers, saved money, arrange transportation, decide to give birth at an institution, and arrange blood donation. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to show the strength and direction of the association. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 251 (43.1%, 95% CI: (39.2, 46.9)) male partners were involved in the institutional delivery services of their partner. Primary educational level [AOR=2.2, 95% CI: (1.361, 3.532)], secondary and above educational level [AOR=2.4, 95% CI: (1.46, 4.01)], having good knowledge [AOR=3 (95% CI: (2, 4.49)], positive perception [AOR=3.66, 95% CI: (2.45, 5.46)], and discussing institutional delivery with their spouse [AOR=1.99, 95% CI: (1.3, 2.99)] were significantly associated factors.Conclusion: More than two out of five male partners were involved in the institutional delivery services of their partner. Attending formal education, having good knowledge, positive perception, and discussing institutional delivery with a spouse were significantly associated factors. Strengthening male partner involvement in reproductive health services and enhancing the culture of reproductive inter-spousal communication through couple counseling and peer-to-peer group sessions at a facility and community level are important measures.Keywords: male involvement, institutional delivery, Lemmo, Ethiopia

Keywords

• male involvement
• institutional delivery
• lemmo
• ethiopia.