Involving male partners in maternity care in Burkina Faso: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine whether an intervention to involve the male partners of pregnant women in maternity care influenced care-seeking, healthy breastfeeding and contraceptive practices after childbirth in urban Burkina Faso.MethodsIn a non-blinded, multicentre, parallel-group, superiority trial, 1144 women were assigned by simple randomization to two study arms: 583 entered the intervention arm and 561 entered the control arm. All women were cohabiting with a male partner and had a low-risk pregnancy. Recruitment took place at 20 to 36 weeks’ gestation at five primary health centres in Bobo-Dioulasso. The intervention comprised three educational sessions: (i) an interactive group session during pregnancy with male partners only, to discuss their role; (ii) a counselling session during pregnancy for individual couples; and (iii) a postnatal couple counselling session. The control group received routine care only. We followed up participants at 3 and 8 months postpartum.FindingsThe follow-up rate was over 96% at both times. In the intervention arm, 74% (432/583) of couples or men attended at least two study sessions. Attendance at two or more outpatient postnatal care consultations was more frequent in the intervention than the control group (risk difference, RD: 11.7%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 6.0 to 17.5), as was exclusive breastfeeding 3 months postpartum (RD: 11.4%; 95% CI: 5.8 to 17.2) and effective modern contraception use 8 months postpartum (RD: 6.4%; 95% CI: 0.5 to 12.3).ConclusionInvolving men as supportive partners in maternity care was associated with better adherence to recommended healthy practices after childbirth.

Community perspectives: An exploration of potential barriers to men’s involvement in maternity care in a central Tanzanian community

“…For instance, Yargawa and Leonardi-Bee in their systematic review and meta-analysis of men's involvement found that, men's involvement increases skilled birth attendance and use of postnatal care and also it was significantly associated with reduced odds of postpartum depression among women [22]. A randomized control trial among couples in Burkina Faso found that, couples who participated in the education-focused intervention were more likely to be exclusively breast-feeding three months postpartum and also use effective contraception eight months postpartum [23]. The study conducted in Southeast Nigeria found that men who were aware of female contraception had three times greater odds of having spouses who wanted to use contraception compared to men who were not aware of female contraception [24].…”

Health professionals and patients’ perspectives on person-centred maternal and child healthcare in Burkina Faso

“…Our results indicate that men play an important role in maternity health, they help in the respect of treatment [28]. However, challenges related to the health structure, the lack of privacy, is notable.…”

<p>Use of Modern Contraceptive Methods in Burkina Faso: What are the Obstacles to Male Involvement in Improving Indicators in the Centre-East and Centre-North Regions?</p>

“…This also helps address barriers such as financial constraints and fear that a disapproving husband might discover an implant insertion site. 28 Moreover, several studies have shown that providing men with information and involving them in counselling sessions can help them become more supportive of contraceptive use and more aware of the concept of shared decision-making. 28,29 Men's lack of access to information and services is a barrier to FP as they cannot share responsibility for FP if services and information do not reach them.…”

“…28 Moreover, several studies have shown that providing men with information and involving them in counselling sessions can help them become more supportive of contraceptive use and more aware of the concept of shared decision-making. 28,29 Men's lack of access to information and services is a barrier to FP as they cannot share responsibility for FP if services and information do not reach them. To encourage men's cooperation, it is important to start by understanding their views rather than relying on their partner's perception of them.…”