Male partner involvement in the utilization of antenatal care services in Kidera, Buyende district Uganda :

Abstract

Antenatal care, one of the pillars of safe motherhood, is a proven a concept aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is a largely a health preventive and promotive activity. In order to foster its utilization and the desired bene ts, the males who are largely key decision makers especially in patriarchal societies have to be involved. This concept of male involvement (MI) is essential in curtailing the gender inequality and improves the family livelihood. Although different strategies have been employed to woe males into ANC clinics, their involvement is largely lacking in Uganda. This study reports level of males’ involvement, their knowledge and attitudes of ANC and in fencing factors. Methods: This was a cross sectional community descriptive study that employed quantitative and qualitative methods. Our qualitative data study was based on the phenomenological design and rooted into the Grounded theory. For quantitative study, 135 adult males were recruited and collected data analysed using SPSS software (version 24) while for qualitative data collection, Focus Group Discussions(FGDs) were held for 60males and each transcript was analysed by two researchers using NVIVO software version 12. Coding was done and themes developed. Results: Male involvement as assessed based on different activities was between 51.1 % and 85.2 %. Although 77.8% had ever accompanied their partner for ANC, only 9.6% did so on at least 4 occasions and 88.9% never received any supplementary service during the visit. Significantly males were generally knowledgeable and had positive attitude towards ANC. Also 65.4% reported their partner felt comfortable once accompanied. However, during FGDs, males described ANC as a room for checking pregnant women, time wasting and unpleasant for the males with no privacy and rude staff. They were further wary of being tested as a couple for HIV. Despite challenges, ANC couple attendance was credited with potential of fostering unity. Conclusions: Male involvement is improving in Uganda but more needs to be done in educating men about their importance in ANC. Couple friendly infrastructure that ensures privacy, staff training that ensures customer care tailored towards being more sensitive and responsive to couples’ may improve MI.