Are health care facilities and programs in Western Uganda encouraging or discouraging men's participation in maternal and child health care?

Abstract

Introduction: In patriarchal communities, men are in control of health care decisions of their families. As spouses, their health status impacts on the health of their partners and children as well. The participation of men in maternal and child health (MCH) is thus crucial for the reduction of infant and maternal mortality, as spouses and parents. Hence, the government of Uganda has been encouraging male participation in MCH, and healthy facilities have been mandated to implement mandatory male participatory programs such as in antenatal care among others. Despite these initiatives, health facilities and programs have been failing the government's vision. Methods: The study was done in Muko Health Center IV and Mparo Health Center IV, Kabale District in Western Uganda. Case study approach was used with the application of questionnaires, in-depth interviews, document analysis, observation, and focus group discussions. Results: Men relatively participate in programs that have services they can consume as health seekers mostly reproductive health programs such as family planning, prevention of mother-to-child transmissions, and elimination of mother-to-child transmission. Low participation of men in MCH was attributed to institutional and health facility challenges such as feminization of health messages, inadequate structures, unfriendly health workers, and social cultural factors. Conclusion: Male participation in MCH leaves a lot to be desired. Health facilities and structures are neither conducive nor encouraging participation. Therefore, health institutions should design innovative strategies mainstreaming male involvement in line with development trends as well as enhance ethics and integrity among health care workers.