Determinants of male partner involvement in antenatal and postnatal care in Bumula sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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<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.

Conclusion: 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.