KUMJ | VOL. 18 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 71 | JULY-SEPT. 2020
Factors Influencing Male Participation in Maternal Health Care among Married Couples in Nepal: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study
Sharma S, Aryal UR, Shrestha A
Abstract: Background
The male involvement in maternal health care is essential to reduce obstetric
complications. However, there is little known about factors contributing to male
participation in maternal health in Nepal.
Objective
To assess predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors contributing male
participation in maternal health care in Nepal.
Method
A population based cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 married couples.
Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Board of Kathmandu Medical
College Teaching Hospital. The data was collected, using modified Safe Motherhood
and Partnership Family Approach Model. Multivariable logistic regression was applied
to account associated paternal factors. Concentration curve and concentration index
were computed to measure equity gap between lowest and highest quintiles.
Result
While four out of ten husbands reported high level of their involvement in maternal
health care practices, wives reported relatively less involvement of their husbands.
Logistic regression showed that husband having low family income, knows about
immunization, contact with family planning providers were more likely to participate.
In contrary, according to wives, husbands’ who have ever been to health facility,
discuss family planning with others, contact with family planning providers and who
knows about exclusive breast feeding were less likely to participate. The study also
showed that socio-economic factors play a significant role.
Conclusion
Male involvement in maternal health care practices is low. Predisposing, enabling
and reinforcing factors play a significant role; however, some contradictions among
husbands’ and wives’ perspectives provide strong evidence on significance of
communication within partners on maternal health care issues.
Keyword : Disparity, Male participation, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women’s health
