Male participation in maternal and newborn care: a qualitative study from urban Tamilnadu, India

• Published in: Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences Vol. 4; no. 32; p. 5484
• Main Authors: Arunmozhi, R, Jayanthi, T.P, Suresh, Saradha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Akshantala Enterprises Private Limited 20.04.2015
• Subjects: Analysis; Decision making; Health aspects; Management; Maternal health services; Newborn infants
• ISSN: 2278-4748; 2278-4802
• DOI: 10.14260/Jemds/2015/803

BACKGROUND: Male participation in maternal and newborn care has gained importance over the last two decades. Despite the fact that men being the decision makers and could contribute a lot towards safe motherhood and newborn survival, men do not involve themselves to the desired level. Knowledge and views of men and factors contributing to poor male participation, needs to be understood for effective planning of programme strategies involving men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was designed to get a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge, attitude and involvement of men in maternal and newborn care and barriers in male participation. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with women and spouses of recently delivered women. RESULTS: Men considered pregnancy and childbirth as domain of women, yet were willing to take care of their spouses and share domestic work. Men feel that their role is to provide emotional and financial support for the family. Men lacked knowledge on care of women during pregnancy, their nutritional needs and identification of warning signs. Men had limited knowledge on contraceptive methods and preferred tubectomy. They totally lacked knowledge on breast feeding, immunization and danger signs in newborn. Long waiting time in public health facilities, non-availability of waiting area for men and poor communication of health care providers were barriers for male participation. CONCLUSION: In spite of inadequate knowledge on maternal and newborn care, men show interest and are concerned about their spouses and newborns and are willing to share responsibilities. This attitude of men should be best used by health care services, which should provide space for men, offer counseling sessions and develop focused health education messages designed for men. Health care providers also need a change in attitude and accept men as care givers of their spouses and newborn. Involving men in safe motherhood services will improve the quality of reproductive health of women. KEYWORDS: Male participation, Male involvement, maternal care, Newborn care.