Factors associated with male involvement in reproductive care in Bangladesh

Abstract

BackgroundMen’s active involvement in reproductive healthcare has shown to be positively associated with maternal and child health outcomes. Bangladesh has made appreciable progress in its pursuance of maternal mortality related goals in the framework of the MDGs. However, there remains a lot to be accomplished to realise the long-term goals for which active participation of male counterparts in reproductive care is crucial. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate factors associated with male involvement in reproductive health among Bangladeshi men.MethodsWe used data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) conducted in 2011. Study participants were 1196 married men, aged between 15 and 69 years and living in both urban and rural households. Level of male involvement (outcome variable) was measured based on the responses on knowledge, awareness and practice regarding reproductive health. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models were performed for data analysis.ResultsOut of 1196 participants, only 40% were found to be active about partners’ reproductive healthcare. Chi-square test showed significant association between active involvement and ever hearing about family planning (FP) in television, learning about FP through community health events, community health workers and poster/billboard. Results from logistic regression analysis revealed that type of residency [p = 0.004, AOR = 0.666, 95% CI = 0.504–0.879], literacy [secondary/higher education- p = 0.006. AOR = 0.579, 95% CI = 0.165–0.509], learning about family planning from Newspaper [p < 0.001. AOR = 1.952, 95% CI = 1.429–2.664], and television [p = 0.017. AOR = 1.514 95% CI = 1.298–1.886], and having been communicated about family planning by community health workers [p = 0.017. AOR = 1.946, 95% CI = 1.129–3.356] were significantly associated with active involvement of men in reproductive health issues.ConclusionsLevel of male involvement was associated with schooling experience, type of residency and exposure to electronic media. National health policy programs aimed at promoting male involvement in reproductive care should focus on improving knowledge and awareness of reproductive health though community health education programs with a special focus in the rural areas.

Predictors of modern contraceptive use and fertility preferences among men in Myanmar: further analysis of the 2015-16 demographic and health survey

“…These findings differ from a Bangladesh study of male involvement in reproductive health care, which showed that residence, education, and source of information were significant predictors on maternal health issues. 19 On the other hand, our finding of geographical zone and wealth quintile as significant predictors for modern contraceptive use was consistent with a finding of a Nepal study. 28 Men's involvement in women's sexual and reproductive health was a significant predictor of a positive health outcome for their partners and children.…”

“…17 In rural areas of Myanmar, use of contraception was higher among wives who discussed contraception with their spouse argued that men's active involvement in reproductive health is positively associated with maternal and child health outcomes. 18,19 Greene and Barker advised researchers, policymakers, and program managers to give attention to male involvement in family health decisionmaking. 20 Therefore, shared responsibility of both men and women in reproductive health is an increasingly important issue.…”

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“…From each article the following data have been extracted: study purpose, design, sample, and findings (Table 1). [6] Results showed that men's intention to discuss birth control is affected by attitudes, norms and self-efficacy -The more strongly men endorsed a traditional masculinity sexual script, are less likely intend to discuss birth control survey Online survey. Participants were men aged 18 -25.…”

“…Men (15 - [19] Then, authors compared articles to identify themes. Review articles show that law percentage of men involved in family planning practices [6]. From women perspectives men were seen as an obstacle and never enabled them to plan their next pregnancy [13].…”

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“…Like all other south Asian nations, widespread poverty, poor healthcare infrastructure, inequality in access to care, and low health literacy constitute some of the major causes of underutilization of essential maternal healthcare services (e.g. antenatal care, professional services for childbirth) that translate to higher burden of MCM, which is recognised as a serious public health problem in the country [1,3,4]. Over the course of past few decades, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has developed and implemented strategies for tackling high MCM rates through programmatic intervention within national (Population and Health Policy), international (Millennium Development Goals, MDG-5) [5] and joint (Maternal and Neonatal Health Initiatives in Bangladesh) [6] policy frameworks.…”