Factors influencing male participation in reproductive health: a qualitative study

Abstract

IntroductionMale involvement in reproductive health is an essential component in promoting maternal and family health. In Nepal, men are not actively engaged in most maternal and child health (MCH) services nor in other reproductive health programs. There is a need to know about the understanding of key professionals in such practices. This study explores gendered perspectives among teachers and health professionals to understand the factors contributing to male involvement in reproductive health.MethodsThe data were collected through two focus group discussions (FGDs) and seven key informant interviews (KIIs). FGDs were held among male teachers of selected schools, and KIIs were conducted with health professionals of the health post of Bungamati, Lalitpur. An unstructured interview guide was used to explore their experiences and perceptions. All KIIs and FGDs were recorded, translated and transcribed verbatim.ResultsFindings show limited male involvement in reproductive health. Participants reported several hindering and challenging factors such as sociocultural and psychological norms, lack of education, and misinformation and dominance of female as health care providers in many MCH clinics. Perceived motivating factors included positive attitude in men, literacy and awareness, inclusion of reproductive health in school curriculum and certain incentives. Participants also recommended a range of strategies for increasing men’s involvement in reproductive health in Nepal.ConclusionMen’s education and attitude, knowledge and awareness, sociocultural factors, psychological factors, health system factors, and policies play important roles in male involvement in reproductive health. Programs on effective implementation of men involvement in reproductive health initiatives should address the barriers and challenges to men’s supportive activities. This study also suggests increasing literacy of reproductive health among men that enhances their positivity and motivates them to participate in reproductive health services.

Antenatal depression: an examination of prevalence and its associated factors among pregnant women attending Harare polyclinics

“…More importantly, it would be beneficial to look at interventions that not only target the affected women but the whole family. Although there has been repeated calls for male involvement in maternal and child health care [42], uptake remains very low mainly due to the traditional beliefs that maternity issues are females' expertise [43][44][45]. Involving male partners in prevention of antenatal depression may potentially play a crucial role since they are at the core of the factors associated with depression as shown in our study.…”

Men’s participation in maternal and child health care in Western Uganda: perspectives from the community

“…Men are important in MCH care, not only as women’s partners, but also as individuals with significant reproductive impact on women’s and children’s health [14–16]. The involvement of men in MCH services facilitates the engagement with health service providers and therefore, presents an opportunity to acquire health education and access to health services for their own benefit [16]. This is crucial in preventing transmission of diseases’ to their partners, as well as the unborn children.…”

“…This is crucial in preventing transmission of diseases’ to their partners, as well as the unborn children. Acquiring information enables men to make appropriate and effective health care decisions for their partners and children too [16–18]. This includes facilitating women to access and seek health facilities and utilisation of appropriate family planning methods [19].…”

Adult male involvement in maternity care in Enugu State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

“…In patriarchal societies, male partners generally do not accompany their partners to antenatal or postnatal care services and are not expected to be present during the birth of their children [6][7] . Lack of information regarding maternal care services is noted to be a significant factor that impedes male active participation, hence the need for exhaustive education and radical awareness campaigns 8 . Studies have shown that providing men with comprehensive information relating to maternal health issues and services will enhance active participation in maternal care 5 , promote birth preparedness and complication readiness, improve maternal mental health, improve use of maternal health services, and promote maternal and foetal health outcomes [9][10][11][12] .…”