1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The involvement of men in maternity health care services has evolved significantly over time, shaped by cultural, social, and medical advancements. Historically, maternal health care was predominantly considered a female responsibility, with men playing minimal roles beyond financial provision (Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2020). In many traditional societies, childbirth was managed exclusively by women, often with the assistance of midwives, while men were excluded from the process due to cultural taboos and gender norms (UNFPA, 2020). During the early 20th century, the rise of modern medicine and hospital-based deliveries began to shift maternal health practices. However, male involvement remained limited as hospitals and health policies were primarily designed to cater to women, reinforcing the perception that maternity care was a female domain (Singh et al., 2021). In many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, men were discouraged from attending childbirth due to the belief that labor and delivery were private, gender-specific experiences (Yargawa & Leonardi-Bee, 2019).
Male involvement in maternity health care services has gained increasing attention in global health discourse as an essential factor in improving maternal and child health outcomes. Traditionally, pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care have been considered women's responsibilities, with limited participation from male partners (Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2020). However, research indicates that the involvement of men in maternal health care can lead to improved health-seeking behaviors, increased utilization of antenatal services, and reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates (Yargawa & Leonardi-Bee, 2019).
The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) highlights that male participation in maternity care goes beyond financial support, encompassing emotional encouragement, decision-making involvement, and attending antenatal and postnatal appointments. Despite its benefits, several barriers hinder male involvement in maternal health care services, including socio-cultural norms, lack of awareness, low literacy levels, and economic constraints (Singh et al., 2021). In many patriarchal societies, men are often discouraged from attending antenatal clinics or delivery rooms due to deeply rooted traditional beliefs that consider maternity care a woman’s duty (UNICEF, 2021).
Studies have shown that when men are actively involved in maternity care, women are more likely to attend antenatal visits, receive skilled birth assistance, and adhere to postnatal care recommendations (Iliyasu et al., 2019). Male engagement also fosters shared decision-making, which contributes to improved maternal nutrition, birth preparedness, and timely healthcare interventions (WHO, 2022). However, challenges such as time constraints, health facility policies that do not accommodate men, and misconceptions about male roles in maternity care continue to limit male participation (Mwanga et al., 2020).
According to UNFPA (2020), promoting male involvement in maternity health care requires a multifaceted approach, including community sensitization, policy reforms, and gender-sensitive health interventions (UNFPA, 2020). Maternity health care services refer to the range of medical and supportive services provided to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period to ensure the well-being of both mother and child (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022).
Male involvement in maternity health care according to Singh et al. (2021) is defined as the active participation of men in their partners' reproductive health, including antenatal care visits, childbirth support, and postnatal care engagement (Singh et al., 2021). The role of men in maternity health care has gained increasing recognition as a critical factor in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. According to WHO (2021), the involvement of male partners in maternal health services enhances healthcare utilization, promotes positive pregnancy experiences, and reduces maternal and infant mortality rates. However, cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and socio-economic factors often hinder male participation in maternity care (Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2020). Therefore, this research study seeks to identify strategies that can enhance male participation in maternal and newborn health.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that male involvement in maternity health care services is recognized as a crucial factor in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes, yet many men remain on the sidelines during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. In many societies, maternity care is traditionally viewed as a woman’s responsibility, leaving men with little or no direct role in supporting their partners beyond financial provisions (Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2020).
Additionally, structural and systemic barriers within healthcare settings further contribute to the problem. Many health facilities are not designed to accommodate male partners during maternal health visits, reinforcing the notion that maternity care is strictly for women (Mwanga et al., 2020). Healthcare professionals may also fail to encourage male participation, either due to institutional policies or assumptions that men are not interested in engaging in maternity care (UNFPA, 2020).
Furthermore, many men do not fully understand the importance of their role in maternal health and are unaware of the benefits their participation brings to the well-being of both mother and child (Yargawa et al., 2019). Without targeted education and sensitization, men are less likely to see maternity care as a shared responsibility, leading to disengagement and passive roles in reproductive health matters. It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to examine the factors influencing male involvement in maternity health care services.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to examine the factors influencing male involvement in maternity health care services. The specific objectives of the study are to:
- Explore the socio-cultural factors that influence male involvement in maternity health care services.
- Identify the barriers that prevent men from actively participating in maternal health care.
- Assess the level of awareness and knowledge men have about their role in maternity care.
- Investigate the impact of male involvement on maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
- Examine the role of healthcare facilities and policies in promoting or hindering male participation.
- Recommend strategies and interventions to improve male engagement in maternity health care services.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- What are the socio-cultural factors influencing male involvement in maternity health care services?
- What are the barriers preventing men from actively participating in maternal health care?
- What is the level of awareness and knowledge that men have about their role in maternity care?
- How does male involvement impact maternal and neonatal health outcomes?
- How do healthcare facilities and policies influence male participation in maternity health care?
- What strategies and interventions can be implemented to improve male engagement in maternity health care services?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
Based on the stated objectives, the following hypotheses have been formulated to guide this study:
Hypothesis One
- H0: Socio-cultural factors, awareness levels, and healthcare policies do not significantly influence male involvement in maternity health care services
- H1: Socio-cultural factors, awareness levels, and healthcare policies significantly influence male involvement in maternity health care services
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The level of awareness and knowledge about maternity health care negatively affects male involvement.
- H1: The level of awareness and knowledge about maternity health care positively affects male involvement.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will contribute to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes by emphasizing the critical role men play in supporting their partners during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. This study will also serve as a reference for public health initiatives aimed at promoting gender-inclusive maternity care.
Furthermore, community leaders and advocacy groups will use the findings to challenge harmful cultural beliefs that discourage male involvement in maternity care. The study will provide evidence-based recommendations to promote positive behavioral change and encourage communities to embrace the role of men in reproductive health.
Academically, this study will contribute to existing literature on reproductive health and gender roles, providing a foundation for future research on male involvement in maternal care. The results will inspire further investigations into the impact of male participation on health outcomes and inform efforts to create more inclusive maternal health programs worldwide.
1.7 Scope of Study
This study will focus on the factors influencing male involvement in maternity health care services in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study will specifically target men whose partners are receiving antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care in healthcare facilities such as Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), General Hospital Lagos, and Randle General Hospital, Surulere. It will also include healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, to assess their perspectives on male involvement and the role of hospital policies in either promoting or hindering participation.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Cost: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Male Involvement in Maternity Health Care Services:
This term refers to the active participation of men in the various stages of maternity care, including antenatal, childbirth, and postnatal care. Male involvement can include attending antenatal visits with their partners, making healthcare decisions, providing emotional and financial support, and assisting with the physical care of the mother and newborn (Lollis et al., 2018).
Maternity Health Care Services:
These are healthcare services that focus on the health and well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. These services include prenatal care, labor and delivery services, postnatal care, and family planning services, all aimed at ensuring maternal and infant health (World Health Organization, 2020).
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