Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care at Selected Health Facilities in Embakasi South Sub County, Nairobi County, Kenya

Kishan FT

Published on: 2022-11-04

Abstract

Background: Male involvement during antenatal care is promoted to be an important intervention to increase positive maternal and newborn health outcomes. Low male involvement discourages uptake of ANC among pregnant women especially in observing appointments. This study therefore sought to characterize male involvement in Embakasi South Sub County, which is one of the most populated areas in Nairobi City County in Kenya.

Methods: The current research was an analytical cross sectional study. A sample of 66 men aged 18 years and above in married or cohabiting relationships in Embakasi South, Nairobi County. A researcher-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and chi-square analysis were used in analysis of data with the help of SPSS. The study was conducted between August 2020 and October 2021.

Results: The study found that 66.7% (n=44) had no male involvement. There was a significant relationship (p=0.009) between the level of education and male involvement. Majority of men had no problem accompanying their spouses however, some indicated that were too busy for that.

Conclusion: Low male involvement appears to be driven by low education among the men as well as concerns with stigma from both the society and the health workers at the facility. This calls for public health education to be conducted to encourage men to be more involved in maternal and child healthcare, Healthcare workers should also be subjected to training and sensitization on welcoming and accommodating men in maternal and child health settings.