Meanings Assigned by Primary Care Professionals to Male Prenatal Care: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Considering recent strategies used in prenatal care, the involvement of fathers has been considered an important factor in ensuring that pregnancy and delivery are successful. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the meanings assigned by primary health care professionals to male prenatal care. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. A total of 19 interviews were conducted with primary health care professionals registered in the City Health Department of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the Collective Subject Discourse methodology. Results: Three themes emerged from the reports’ analysis: The importance of the role of fathers in the gestational process, attitudes of men toward male prenatal care and formal education and training in primary health care. Health practitioners understand the importance of male prenatal care but reported they lack proper training to provide effective care. Conclusion: The expansion of continuing education strategies focusing on male prenatal care and directed to primary health care professionals is recommended to promote greater adherence on the part of fathers in prenatal care, with the purpose of strengthening bonds and improving the care provided to the entire family. The humanized care can facilitate the approach of the paternal figure during male prenatal care.

Transição para a parentalidade: Estratégias promotoras utilizadas pelos profissionais de saúde

“…Os cuidados no período pré-natal masculino também são fundamentais e da competência dos profissionais de saúde. Estes devem compreender a importância da participação ativa do pai durante todo o processo, com especial atenção à sua inclusão nos procedimentos (Mackert et al, 2018;Santos da Mota et al, 2022;Sousa et al, 2021).…”

E-Book Da Teoria À Prática: O Poder Da Pesquisa E Extensão

“…Fatores que dependem dos recursos humanos também merecem atenção. Profissionais da APSporta de entrada do SUSsão fundamentais para melhorias na assistência em saúde, e reconhecem a necessidade de ampliar as ações voltadas aos homens (SOUSA et al, 2021c). Para tanto, é importante a postura acolhedora que estimula a interação com os homens e ações dinâmicas que os motive e conscientize para o autocuidado.…”