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Fletcher R, Forbes F, Dadi AF, Kassa GM, Regan C, Galle A, Beyene A, Liackman R, Temmerman M. Effect of male partners' involvement and support on reproductive, maternal and child health and well-being in East Africa: A scoping review. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2269. [PMID: 39086507 PMCID: PMC11286546 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims East African countries have high rates of maternal and child mortality and morbidity. Studies have shown that the involvement of male partners in reproductive health can benefit maternal and child health (MCH). This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the evidence across East Africa that describes male partner involvement and its effect on maternal, reproductive, and child well-being. Methods Ten databases were searched to identify quantitative data on male's involvement in East Africa. Studies reporting qualitative data, "intention to use" data or only reporting on male partner's education or economic status were excluded. Studies were organized into five a priori categories: antenatal care (ANC), human immunodeficiency virus, breastfeeding, family planning, and intimate partner violence with further categories developed based on studies included. Results A total of 2787 records were identified; 644 full texts were reviewed, and 96 studies were included in this review. Data were reported on 118,967 mothers/pregnant women and 15,361 male partners. Most of the studies (n = 83) were reported from four countries Ethiopia (n = 49), Kenya (n = 14), Tanzania (n = 12) and Uganda (n = 10). The evidence indicates that male partner involvement and support is associated with improved reproductive, MCH across a wide range of outcomes. However, the studies were heterogeneous, using diverse exposure and outcome measures. Also, male partners' lack of practical and emotional support, and engagement in violent behaviors towards partners, were associated with profound negative impacts on MCH and well-being. Conclusions The body of evidence, although heterogeneous, provides compelling support for male involvement in reproductive health programs designed to support MCH. To advance research in this field, an agreement is needed on a measure of male partner "involvement." To optimize benefits of male partners' involvement, developing core outcome sets and regional coordination are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Fletcher
- College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Faye Forbes
- College of Health SciencesDebre Markos UniversityDebre MarkosEthiopia
- Global and Women's Health Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Abel Fekadu Dadi
- Menzies School of Health ResearchCharles Darwin University, NT, Australia & Addis Continental Institute of Public HealthAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | | | - Casey Regan
- College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Anna Galle
- Department Public Health and Primary CareInternational Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Addisu Beyene
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical SciencesHaramaya UniversityHararEthiopia
- Centre for Women's Health Research, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleNewcastleAustralia
| | - Rebecca Liackman
- College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingThe University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child HealthAga Khan UniversityNairobiKenya
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Brooks HL, Graves E, De Schacht C, Emílio A, Matino A, Aboobacar A, Audet CM. "If It Weren't for This, We'd Be Sick"-Perspectives From Participants of a Couple-Based HIV Treatment and Support Program During Prenatal and Postpartum Periods in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 96:304-310. [PMID: 38032747 PMCID: PMC11128476 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engagement in HIV care and treatment services during pregnancy is key to eliminating vertical transmission. One barrier to retention of pregnant and lactating women is insufficient support from male partners. Reframing HIV services as couple-based may increase adherence among men and women. As part of a cluster randomized trial evaluating an intervention offering seroconcordant couples living with HIV joint follow-up in HIV services and sessions with a health counselor and couple peer educators, we assessed participants' perspectives and experiences regarding the intervention. SETTING Zambézia Province is a rural, low-income, and medically underserved region of central Mozambique. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with a subset of participants enrolled in the intervention arm. The objectives were to explore participants' (1) experiences with couples-based HIV care and the educational/support sessions; (2) perceived impacts of the intervention; and (3) suggestions for intervention improvement. Interviews conducted by experienced interviewers were audio-recorded, transcribed, and deductively coded. RESULTS Sixty-four participants were interviewed. Participants described the counselor and the peer educators as trustworthy and the sessions as improving their HIV-related knowledge. Receiving joint HIV services was convenient and motivated some participants to remain adherent to care. Participants provided few suggestions to improve the intervention, although a few female participants did state that they wished their male partners had participated more readily in the joint sessions and medication pick-ups at the health facilities. CONCLUSIONS Participants described positive experiences with and perceived benefits from the intervention, making this intervention acceptable within the local context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Brooks
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Erin Graves
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | | | - Arifo Aboobacar
- Provincial Health Directorate of Zambézia, Quelimane, Mozambique; and
| | - Carolyn M Audet
- Departments of Health Policy and Epidemiology, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Moyo E, Dzinamarira T, Moyo P, Murewanhema G, Ross A. Men's involvement in maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review of enablers and barriers. Midwifery 2024; 133:103993. [PMID: 38626505 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, there are about 800 maternal deaths every day, with low-to-middle-income countries accounting for most of these deaths. A lack of access to maternal healthcare services is one of the main causes of these deaths. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), one of the barriers to accessing maternal healthcare services by women is a lack of their male partners' involvement. This scoping review aimed to assess the enablers and barriers to men's involvement in maternal healthcare services. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was used as a guide for this review. We searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2023 in the English language from SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Africa Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar databases. Two reviewers independently conducted the data extraction and article selection. All of the authors discussed and decided on the codes and categories for enablers and barriers after using NVivo to generate them. RESULTS Twenty-seven articles were used in this review. Of these, seventeen were qualitative studies, six were quantitative studies, and four were mixed-methods studies. The enablers of men's involvement in maternal healthcare were grouped into sociodemographic factors, health system factors, and policy factors, while barriers were grouped into sociodemographic, cultural, economic, and health system barriers. The lack of maternal health knowledge, insufficient economic resources, and unfriendly staff at healthcare facilities all contributed to a lack of involvement by men. CONCLUSION To improve men's involvement in maternal healthcare in SSA, there should be economic empowerment of both men and women, health education, and the provision of adequate infrastructure in healthcare facilities to accommodate men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enos Moyo
- University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing & Public Health, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | | | - Grant Murewanhema
- University of Zimbabwe, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Andrew Ross
- University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing & Public Health, Durban, South Africa
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Nesane KV, Mulaudzi FM. Cultural barriers to male partners' involvement in antenatal care in Limpopo province. Health SA 2024; 29:2322. [PMID: 38322365 PMCID: PMC10839214 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Participation of male partners in antenatal care (ANC) is a complicated process that involves social and behavioural transformation. It necessitates that males take a more active part in reproductive health. Men's participation in prenatal care has been linked to beneficial health outcomes such as enhanced maternal health outcomes across the world. However, culture has been identified as a barrier to male partners' participation in prenatal care. Aim The aim of the study was to explore and describe the cultural barriers to male partner involvement in ANC. Setting The study focussed on selected clinics and hospitals under Vhembe District, Limpopo province. Methods Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used in this study. Qualitative data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the collected data from semi-structured interviews and FGDs. Results The findings revealed three themes: cultural beliefs and practices that affect male partners' involvement in ANC; gender-related barriers that affect male partners' involvement in ANC; and socioeconomic barriers to male partners' involvement in ANC. Conclusion The study's findings revealed that certain cultural beliefs and practices are a stumbling block to male partners' involvement in antenatal healthcare. Contribution Culturally based developed strategy might help in improving the knowledge and practices of male partners in ANC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth V Nesane
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Tshwane, South Africa
| | - Fhumulani M Mulaudzi
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Tshwane, South Africa
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Chiang RKQ, Shorey S. Men's experiences of antenatal care services in low-income and middle-income countries: A qualitative systematic review. Birth 2022; 50:276-286. [PMID: 36309934 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men's involvement in antenatal care is critical for the family's overall well-being, yet remains low in many low-income and middle-income countries. The goal of this study was to consolidate and synthesize currently available literature on men's experiences of antenatal care services in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched through December 2020. Qualitative studies were included exploring the antenatal care experiences of men whose pregnant partners utilized antenatal care services, regardless of ethnicity, race, and education levels. Studies examining men's participation in antenatal care that specifically focused on certain conditions such as the human immunodeficiency virus, known pregnancy complications, as well as contraception/fertility treatment, were excluded. Quality appraisal of the included studies was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist, and Sandelowski and Barroso's two-step approach was used to meta-summarize and meta-synthesize the extracted data. RESULTS Four themes were derived from the 27 studies included: (a) Factors enabling men's participation in antenatal care; (b) Barriers affecting men's participation in antenatal care; (c) Men's self-perceived care roles; and (d) Recommendations to improve men's involvement. CONCLUSIONS Men's involvement in antenatal care depended on community perceptions, traditional gender roles, and work commitments. Although men often regarded antenatal care services as exclusive to women, some expressed their willingness to participate. Current findings highlight the need for community educational programs, male role models, and training of healthcare providers to improve men's participation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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How do women, men, and health providers perceive interventions to influence men's engagement in maternal and newborn health? A qualitative evidence synthesis. Soc Sci Med 2021; 291:114475. [PMID: 34695645 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there is growing awareness of the important contributions men can make as key stakeholders in maternal and newborn health (MNH), and increased investment in interventions designed to influence men's engagement to improve MNH outcomes. Interventions typically target men, women, couples or health providers, yet how these stakeholders perceive and experience interventions is not well understood and the fact that women may experience these interventions as disempowering has been identified as a major concern. This review aims to synthesise how women, men, and providers perceive and experience interventions designed to influence men's engagement in MNH, in order to identify perceived benefits and risks of participating in interventions, and other key factors affecting uptake of and adherence to interventions. We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis based on a systematic search of the literature, analysing a purposive sample of 66 out of 144 included studies to enable rich synthesis. Women, men and providers report that interventions enable more and better care for women, newborns and men, and strengthen family relationships between the newborn, father and mother. At the same time, stakeholders report that poorly designed or implemented interventions carry risks of harm, including constraining some women's access to MNH services and compounding negative impacts of existing gender inequalities. Limited health system capacity to deliver men-friendly MNH services, and pervasive gender inequality, can limit the accessibility and acceptability of interventions. Sociodemographic factors, household needs, and peer networks can influence how men choose to support MNH, and may affect demand for and adherence to interventions. Overall, perceived benefits of interventions designed to influence men's engagement in MNH are compelling, reported risks of harm are likely manageable through careful implementation, and there is clear evidence of demand from women and men, and some providers, for increased opportunities and support for men to engage in MNH.
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Chahalis E, McGhie J, Mulokozi G, Barham S, Chappell C, Schenk C, Linehan M, Torres S, Dearden KA, West JH, Hall PC, Crookston BT. Tanzanian men's engagement in household chores is associated with improved antenatal care seeking and maternal health. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:666. [PMID: 34592950 PMCID: PMC8485498 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Male support for partners’ antenatal care (ANC) has the potential to improve women’s care-seeking and maternal health outcomes. This study describes factors that are associated with men’s involvement in household tasks and explores the relationship between men’s help with tasks and women’s ANC-seeking, diet and workload during pregnancy as well as other health behaviors. Methods This study was conducted in five Lake Zone regions of Tanzania. Cross-sectional surveys were carried out among approximately 10,000 households that had children under the age of 2 years. Surveys were administered to mothers of children less than 2 years and where available, their male partners. Data were collected between December 2015 and May 2020, in conjunction with a large-scale campaign aimed at reducing childhood stunting by changing the behavior of mothers, caregivers, and decision makers. Data analysis included bivariate analysis and logistic regression modeling. Results Men’s engagement in household activities was significantly associated with living in an urban setting, being younger, having at least some formal schooling, early verbal interactions with their children, and male involvement in healthcare decisions. Additionally, mothers of male partners that were engaged in household activities were significantly older and more likely to have at least some secondary school education. Relative to households where men only infrequently helped out with chores or not at all, women from households where men frequently helped were significantly more likely to have taken iron tablets during pregnancy, report having eaten more than usual, lessening their household workload during their most recent pregnancy, and more likely to have played with their child in the week prior to the survey. Conclusion Male’s participation in household tasks is associated with a general improvement in mother’s ANC behaviors. Implicit in these findings is that general primary education for both men and women has health benefits that transcend socioeconomic class and that future interventions aimed to engage males in household tasks may target older males with less education living in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott Torres
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Jeong J, Ahun MN, Bliznashka L, Velthausz D, Donco R, Yousafzai AK. Barriers and facilitators to father involvement in early child health services: A qualitative study in rural Mozambique. Soc Sci Med 2021; 287:114363. [PMID: 34500322 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Engaging men and increasing their involvement as partners and parents can improve child health and development. Despite the increasing global evidence and advocacy around father involvement and caregiving, there remain few father-inclusive interventions for promoting early child health, especially within primary health systems in low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we explored community perspectives regarding fathers' roles in early child health services during the first three years of life to identify the barriers and facilitators to father involvement in Monapo District in northern, rural Mozambique. A qualitative sub-study was embedded within a qualitative intervention implementation evaluation conducted in October-November 2020. In-depth interviews were conducted with 36 caregivers, 15 health facility providers, 12 community health providers, 4 government officials, and 7 non-governmental partner organizations. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis. Results revealed that fathers were generally uninvolved in early child healthcare services. Primary barriers to fathers' involvement included the absence of fathers in many households; opportunity costs associated with fathers' accompanying children to health facilities; long waiting times at facilities; negative health provider attitudes towards fathers; and patriarchal gender norms. Respondents also highlighted facilitators of father involvement, which included fathers' broader engagement with their child at home; fathers' desires to support their partners; parental awareness about the importance of father involvement in child healthcare; and community outreach and sensitization campaigns targeting fathers directly. Our study highlights opportunities for enhancing the focus, design, and delivery of child health services so that they are more inclusive and responsive to fathers. Future research should assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of father-focused child health interventions on caregiving and early child health and development outcomes. These strategies should holistically address not only individual and household factors, but also broader structural and sociocultural determinants at the health system and community levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jeong
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Marilyn N Ahun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Université de Montréal School of Public Health, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lilia Bliznashka
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Aisha K Yousafzai
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Ampim GA, Blystad A, Kpoor A, Haukanes H. "I came to escort someone": Men's experiences of antenatal care services in urban Ghana-a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2021; 18:106. [PMID: 34039342 PMCID: PMC8157438 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male involvement in maternal healthcare has been widely recognized as essential for positive health outcomes for expectant mothers and their unborn babies. However, few studies have explored men's experiences of maternal health services. The purpose of this paper is to explore men's involvement in antenatal care in urban Ghana and to discuss how men navigate their roles in a space that has been constructed as feminine. The study draws upon theories of space, place, and gender. METHODS A qualitative exploratory study using semistructured interviews, focus group discussion, and observation was conducted in Accra, Ghana. Expectant fathers and health workers were interviewed, and observation was conducted at a selected public hospital in Accra. RESULTS The findings suggest that the few men who attend antenatal care with their expecting partners become involved to a limited extent in the clinic's activities. Beyond a few who take an active role, most men stay on the outskirts of the hospital grounds and rarely participate in consultations with their partner and midwife. Men still view their presence as necessary to acquire knowledge and as sources of emotional, financial, and physical support for their partners. On the health workers' side, the study found no clear agenda for engaging men at the clinic, and nurses/midwives felt there was a lack of staff who could engage more directly with the men. CONCLUSION The study indicates that most expecting fathers feel too shy and uncomfortable to locate themselves in the female space that makes up antenatal care/maternity wards. Health workers do not feel they have the necessary resources to involve men fruitfully. Thus, men do not engage in the activity as hoped but rather remain on the outskirts of the maternity clinic. However, if men continue to negotiate their involvement at the clinic and become more assertive in their roles, the maternity clinic as a female space could, with time, be transformed into a space in which both expecting mothers and fathers can actively participate and be engaged to the benefit of all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Abena Ampim
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Astrid Blystad
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Albert Kpoor
- Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Haldis Haukanes
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Galle A, Plaieser G, Van Steenstraeten T, Griffin S, Osman NB, Roelens K, Degomme O. Systematic review of the concept 'male involvement in maternal health' by natural language processing and descriptive analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e004909. [PMID: 33846143 PMCID: PMC8048011 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experts agree that male involvement in maternal health is a multifaceted concept, but a robust assessment is lacking, hampering interpretation of the literature. This systematic review aims to examine the conceptualisation of male involvement in maternal health globally and review commonly used indicators. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched for quantitative literature (between the years 2000 and 2020) containing indicators representing male involvement in maternal health, which was defined as the involvement, participation, engagement or support of men in all activities related to maternal health. RESULTS After full-text review, 282 studies were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in Africa (43%), followed by North America (23%), Asia (15%) and Europe (12%). Descriptive and text mining analysis showed male involvement has been conceptualised by focusing on two main aspects: psychosocial support and instrumental support for maternal health care utilisation. Differences in measurement and topics were noted according to continent with Africa focusing on HIV prevention, North America and Europe on psychosocial health and stress, and Asia on nutrition. One-third of studies used one single indicator and no common pattern of indicators could be identified. Antenatal care attendance was the most used indicator (40%), followed by financial support (17%), presence during childbirth (17%) and HIV testing (14%). Majority of studies did not collect data from men directly. DISCUSSION Researchers often focus on a single aspect of male involvement, resulting in a narrow set of indicators. Aspects such as communication, shared decision making and the subjective feeling of support have received little attention. We believe a broader holistic scope can broaden the potential of male involvement programmes and stimulate a gender-transformative approach. Further research is recommended to develop a robust and comprehensive set of indicators for assessing male involvement in maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Galle
- ICRH, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Plaieser
- ICRH, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Sally Griffin
- International Centre for Reproductive Health - Mozambique (ICRHM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Nafissa Bique Osman
- Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Degomme
- ICRH, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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McLean KE. Men's experiences of pregnancy and childbirth in Sierra Leone: Reexamining definitions of "male partner involvement". Soc Sci Med 2020; 265:113479. [PMID: 33218892 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, global health researchers and policy makers have advocated for men's increased involvement in pregnancy and childbirth with the goal of improving maternal health outcomes. By "involvement," these actors generally refer to narrow-largely Western-definitions of participation: accompanying women to antenatal and postpartum care visits, engaging in childbirth education, or being present during delivery. However, such approaches often fail to account for the culturally valid and gendered ways in which men already are involved in supporting women's reproductive health. This study is based on participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and life histories conducted among 106 fathers in eastern Sierra Leone over the course of 2013-2016. Findings demonstrate that in Sierra Leone, where pregnancy and childbirth are considered to belong to the domain of women, men's primary role is to supply the material resources for a safe and healthy birth: a nutritious diet, transportation to healthcare facilities, medicines and supplies in the case of emergency, and the items to wash and dress the baby. While evidence suggests that gender norms are shifting to include other forms of intimate and emotional involvement, it is important to recognize existing forms of material support as valuable and essential forms of care. By restricting male involvement to biomedical notions of care, global health programs and policies risk discounting other types of socially meaningful support. Rather than disparaging young, African men for falling short of what Western organizations and researchers perceive to be "correct" behaviors, this paper attempts to highlight men's own understandings of involvement, so as to provide a more complete picture of the gendered nature of reproductive health in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E McLean
- International Studies Program, College of Charleston, 9 Glebe Street, Charleston, SC, 29424, USA.
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Clark J, Sweet L, Nyoni S, Ward PR. Improving male involvement in antenatal care in low and middle-income countries to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV: A realist review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240087. [PMID: 33057353 PMCID: PMC7561142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection occurs almost exclusively via mother to child transmission (MTCT) during pregnancy, birth, or through breastfeeding. Recent studies have shown that male involvement (MI) in antenatal care (ANC) and HIV testing, including couples voluntary counselling and testing (CVCT), increases the likelihood that women will adhere to prevention advice and comply with HIV treatment if required during their pregnancy; hence reducing the rates of MTCT of HIV. This realist review investigates how, why, when, and for whom MI in ANC works best to provide contextual advice on how MI in ANC can be best used for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. METHODS A realist review of existing evidence was conducted. Realist review seeks to explain how and why an intervention works, or does not work, in a given context. This was completed through the five stages of realist synthesis; Eliciting the program theory, search strategy, study selection criteria, data extraction, and data analysis and synthesis. Findings are presented as context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations outlining the mechanisms that work in given contexts to give an outcome. RESULTS Three CMO configurations were developed. These describe that 1) Couples in monogamous relationships have higher levels of trust, commitment and security leading to increased uptake of PMTCT programs together; 2) ANC spaces that make 'male friendly' adaptions promote normalisation of MI in PMTCT and are more welcoming, leading to increased willingness of male partners to participate in ANC; and 3) couples and communities with higher health literacy encourage increased informed decision making, ownership, and responsibility and thus increased participation in PMTCT of HIV. CONCLUSIONS The CMOs developed in this review give contextual advice on how one might improve ANC services to increase MI and help reduce MTCT of HIV. We propose that MI in ANC works best where couples are monogamous and trusting, where ANC spaces actively promote being a 'male friendly space' and where there are high levels of community education programs around MTCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Clark
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Linda Sweet
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University and Western Health Partnership, Burwood, Australia
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Simangaliso Nyoni
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Paul R. Ward
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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A cross-sectional study of the role of men and the knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy in southern Mozambique. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:572. [PMID: 32993554 PMCID: PMC7526108 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03265-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of the male partner and wider family in maternal health, especially in case of emergencies, has been receiving increasing attention over the last decade. Qualitative research has highlighted that women depend on others to access high quality maternity care. Currently little is known about these factors in relation to maternal health in Mozambique. Methods A cross sectional household survey was conducted with men and women in southern Mozambique about decision making, financial support and knowledge of danger signs. A multivariable logistic model was used to identify factors associated with knowledge of danger signs and Cohen’s kappa for agreement among couples. Results A total of 775 men and women from Marracuene and Manhica districts were interviewed. Maternal health care decisions were frequently made jointly by the couple (32–49%) and financial support was mainly provided by the man (46–80%). Parental and parent-in-law involvement in decision making and financial support was minimal (0–3%). The average number of danger signs respondents knew was 2.05 and no significant difference (p = 0.294) was found between men and women. Communication with the partner was a significant predictor for higher knowledge of danger signs for both men (p = 0.01) and women (p = 0.03). There was very low agreement within couples regarding decision making (p = 0.04), financial support (p = 0.01) and presence at antenatal care consultations (p = 0.001). Results suggest women and men have a high willingness for more male participation in antenatal care, although their understanding of what constitutes this participation is not clear. Conclusion The study findings highlight the important role men play in decision making and financial support for maternal health care issues. Strengthening male involvement in antenatal care services, by investing in counselling and receiving couples, could help accelerate gains in maternal health in Mozambique. Maternal health care studies should collect more data from men directly as men and women often report different views and behavior regarding maternal health care issues and male involvement.
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Phoosuwan N, Manasatchakun P, Eriksson L, Lundberg PC. Life situation and support during pregnancy among Thai expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:207. [PMID: 32272908 PMCID: PMC7147066 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-02914-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Expectant parents may have positive and negative emotions during pregnancy and receive support from different sources. Studies on life situation and support among couples have rarely been conducted. This study aims to explore life situation and support during pregnancy among expectant mothers with depressive symptoms and their partners. Methods Twenty-seven expectant mothers, in the last trimester of pregnancy with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 7) from seven public antenatal care clinics in Sakonnakhon, a north-eastern province of Thailand, and their partners were interviewed. In total, 54 semi-structured interviews were subjected to content analysis. Results Four categories emerged: (1) Having obstacles in life, (2) Facing life transition, (3) Enhancing confidence, and (4) Dissatisfaction with support. The informants described obstacles regarding economy, fear of health problems, getting an abnormal child and partners’ behaviours. They received support from family members and social networks, but some were dissatisfied with the support from the healthcare. For example, expectant fathers wished to receive more health information and be more involved. Conclusions Healthcare professionals should be aware of the influence of cultural and contextual factors when providing antenatal care to expectant parents. Male involvement in the care must not be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitikorn Phoosuwan
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakonnakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand.
| | | | - Leif Eriksson
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pranee C Lundberg
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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