Prevalence and correlates of male partner involvement in antenatal care services in eastern Kenya: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction male partner involvement in antenatal care (ANC) contributes to improved maternal health outcomes, but has been wanting in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with male involvement in ANC. Methods this was a cross-sectional survey conducted in November and December 2019 in Kitui East sub-county, Kenya. We recruited men above 18 years whose spouses had given birth 12-months prior to the study. Data were collected at the household level using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Male involvement was defined as provision of physical, psycho-social, decision-making, and financial support, which was measured through twelve questions. Factor scores of the twelve questions were generated by fitting a Rasch model. Participants who scored at least 75% were involved. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify the independent predictors of male involvement. Results a total of 300 participants were interviewed. The mean age was 36.7 years (SD=±7.6), 52.3% had primary level education, 64.3% had between 1-3 children, 44.6% were 5 years older than their spouses, while 37.3% earned between $50-$100 per month. The prevalence of male involvement in ANC was 61% (95%C.I: 55.7%, 66.3%) and was positively associated with previous ANC attendance by the spouse (AOR= 4.96, 95% CI: 2.37, 10.38, p<0.001), having 1-2 and 3-4 children (AOR= 4.57, 95% CI: 1.70, 12.31, p=0.003 and AOR= 4.84, 95% CI: 1.59, 14.79, p=0.006) respectively. On the contrary, participants who lacked knowledge on the minimum ANC visits (AOR= 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.83, p=0.016), unplanned pregnancy (AOR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.48, p<0.001), and individual financial decision-making (AOR= 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.89, p=0.023) were less likely to be involved. Conclusion more than half of the participants reported involvement in ANC, which was significantly associated with previous ANC experience and having less than four children. Empowering men with knowledge on ANC and joint decision-making with their spouses is imperative in order to improve male involvement.

Barriers to male partner accompaniment and participation in maternal and child health care in Thika and Kiambu level five hospitals, Kenya

“…In spite of these enormous available evidence, studies have reported low male attendance and involvement in maternal and child health departments in Kenya [ 8 - 10 ]. A Kenyan National Survey and an Eastern Kenyan study revealed that about 30% and 23% of men respectively accompany their spouses and or wives to the MCH clinic [ 8 , 9 ]. Several barriers have been cited that impede men from accompanying their spouses to the MCH department.…”

Determinants of Adverse Birth Outcomes in Ambon, Indonesia: A Case-Control Study

“…32 On the other hand, previous ANC experience also impacts men's involvement in ANC. 34 Based on our research, the prevalence of PTB is higher than other adverse birth outcomes. This was possibly due to inaccuracy in reporting the LMP.…”

Views of Men Regarding Not Availing Antenatal Care for Their Pregnant Partners in West Bengal

“…It has been found from this study that as the age of the men is increasing, a greater proportion of husbands are not availing ANC check-ups because their wives have already given birth to children. This is supported by the findings of studies that highlighted the fact that the participants who had less than four children were more likely to be involved in ANC compared to those with five or more children (Chamos et al, 2022;Nyamai et al, 2022;Sarvar & Sonavane, 2018). Kassahun et al (2018) opined that being from rural residences increases the likelihood of not availing ANC services.…”