MALE PARTICIPATION IN ANTENATAL CARE AND ITS EFFECT ON PREGNANCY

Abstract

Purpose: Male participation in antenatal care (ANC) is important and contributes to better maternal and neonatal birth outcomes. Deaths among mothers remain a serious burden in the developing countries, including Nigeria. Lack of male involvement in pregnancy related care is one of the contributing factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the level of male participation in ANC. In most countries in the world, promotion of maternal and child health is perceived as women’s role and men do not feel that they are responsible and see no reason to accompany their partners to Antenatal Care (ANC) clinics. Methodology: Cross sectional descriptive survey was used in the study. Findings: It was discovered that male partners do not fully participate in antenatal care due to many factors like low level of education, fear of being tested for HIV, culture and so on.  Male partners/husbands are key support persons for many childbearing women and their involvement in pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum/postnatal period has beneficial effects on a wide range of outcomes related to maternal and child health and family wellbeing. Male involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is among interventions to improve maternal health. Globally male involvement in ANC is low and varies in low-income and middle-income countries including Nigeria where most maternal deaths occur. In Sub-Sahara, men are chief decision makers and highly influence maternal health. Unique Contribution to Theory Practice and Policy: It is therefore recommended that male should participate in ANC in order to encourage the wife in the course of pregnancy and promote psychological support.