1.1 Introduction
Male involvement in antenatal care describes the range of ways in which men interact with issues, customs, and rights pertaining to reproductive health. According to UNPF (2017), it is a crucial strategy for improving maternal health. Men assist pregnant women by acting as their partners, spouses, fathers, or male siblings (Vehvilainen-Julkunene et al., 2014). One way to reduce maternal mortality is to assist men in their pregnant spouses' health-seeking activities, such as visiting prenatal clinics. The participation of a pregnant woman's male partner may also have a significant influence on when she registers for prenatal care and how frequently she attends visits, which may have an effect on the outcome of the pregnancy (Carter, 2002).
This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, research questions and hypotheses, and the definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In most African nations, pregnancy and delivery are still considered entirely feminine matters. The majority of African nations still view pregnancy and delivery as solely the domain of women (Iliyasu et al., 2010; JHPIEGO, 2001). The expectation is that men will not tend to their partner's labour or delivery, nor will they accompany them to prenatal and postoperative care or family planning facilities (Iliyasu et al., 2010; Mullick et al., 2005). Perhaps because they receive no information from healthcare practitioners about the health of the mother and the baby or about their involvement in it, males do not participate in prenatal, postnatal, new-born, or post-abortion care.
Iliyasu et al., (2010) asserted that, realizing that men's behaviour may have a major impact on women's and newborns' health has given rise to the idea that men should assist in providing maternal care to their pregnant spouses (Iliyasu et al., 2010). Numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects men's roles may have on their pregnant wives' outcomes (Mangeni et al., 2012).
According to Ogunjuyigbe (2000), women in Nigeria are considered the mothers of everyone since they typically carry pregnancy to term, meaning that females are historically given the responsibility of childbearing. Therefore, a woman's risk status might alter during pregnancy, making it one of the most significant life events and a dynamic process (WHO, 2000).
Men's involvement in pregnancy-related care is driven by gender equality. in the majority of Katmandu, Nepalese households, the males have the primary financial authority and make all decisions, including those pertaining to prenatal care (Britta, 2005). In nations like Nigeria, where patriarchal family structures are common, this experience is comparable. They could use this chance to make sure their expectant spouses use maternity services or make plans for expert delivery care. One of the main reasons why women have less access to health care is gender inequality.
Men and their spouses can work together to overcome gender-based barriers to care-seeking and choose the most effective ways to give in-home assistance. Men's behaviours have an impact on the reproductive health of both men and women, as well as the health of their progeny. Several factors influence men's engagement in care connected to pregnancy. Males' ability to care for their partners is reportedly limited by a number of circumstances, the most common one being job demand. For one thing, men tend to be naturally devoted to their employment and rarely want to miss work because they are typically the breadwinners in their families. This was also mentioned in a US research to find out what characteristics men and women appreciate in the workplace. Males placed a higher value on advantages, income, and prestige than did females, according to the study (Peterson et al., 2004).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care as a Vital Tool to Healthy Pregnancy Outcome.
1.3 Statement of Problems
An investigation showed that the assumption behind male partner involvement in antenatal care globally in recent years has been that information regarding health care options, and choices should be made available. This has significantly contributed to encouraging a shift in men’s habits in the direction of healthy pregnancy outcome.
Additionally, an uninvolved man in pregnancy-related care is one of the main causes of maternal death, which is still a public health burden in developing nations like Nigeria. Previous researches on male involvement in pregnancy-related care concentrated on family planning services and were primarily directed towards women.
Furthermore, about 69% of pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa visit prenatal clinics at least once, and 44% receive all the critical treatments and at least four ANC visits (Lincetto et al., 2006). When women utilize health services, it can be challenging for men to decide whether and when their spouses will use them (Illiyasu et al., 2010; Kwambai et al., 2013).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess male partner involvement in antenatal care as a vital tool to healthy pregnancy outcome. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the involvement knowledge of male partners in pregnancy related care among married men in the study area;
- To evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of male partner engagement in healthy pregnancy antenatal care;
- To assess the level of male partner involvement in antenatal care; and
- To investigate the factors hindering male partner involvement in antenatal care services which serve as a means towards healthy pregnancy outcome.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the involvement knowledge of male partners in pregnancy related care among married men in the study area?
- What are the perceptions and attitudes of male partner engagement in healthy pregnancy antenatal care?
- What is the level of male partner involvement in antenatal care?
- What are the factors hindering male partner involvement in antenatal care services which serve as a means towards healthy pregnancy outcome?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There are no significant factors inhibiting male partner antenatal care involvement towards healthy pregnancy outcome
- H1: There are significant factors inhibiting male partner antenatal care involvement towards healthy pregnancy outcome
1.7 Significance of Study
The significance of the research findings will facilitate better understanding of men's conduct and serve as a model for developing services that are explicitly centred on reproductive health. Also, health workers will gain from this since it will enable them to carry out campaigns and activities on behalf of male partner involvement in antenatal care, which promotes healthy pregnancy outcomes for expectant mothers.
Furthermore, researchers will greatly benefit from this study, and non-researchers might utilize it to further their own research endeavours. This work advances knowledge and may function as a model for future research.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on assessing male partner involvement in antenatal care as a vital tool to healthy pregnancy outcome using Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research Material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Antenatal Care (ANC): Antenatal care refers to the regular medical and health check-ups that a pregnant woman receives during her pregnancy to monitor the health and development of the fetus, as well as to ensure the well-being of the mother. ANC includes a range of services such as screenings, immunizations, and education about healthy pregnancy practices (WHO, 2016).
Male Partner Involvement: Male partner involvement in antenatal care encompasses the active participation and support of the male partner in the various aspects of prenatal care. This involvement can include attending antenatal visits, providing emotional and financial support, and assisting in health-related decision-making processes (Ditekemena et al., 2012).
Healthy Pregnancy Outcome: A healthy pregnancy outcome refers to the successful completion of a pregnancy resulting in the birth of a healthy baby and the maintenance of the mother's health throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. Indicators of a healthy pregnancy outcome include full-term birth, appropriate birth weight, and the absence of complications for both mother and child (March of Dimes, 2020).
Emotional Support: Emotional support during pregnancy involves providing psychological comfort and reassurance to the pregnant woman. This support can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are beneficial for both maternal and fetal health. Emotional support from a partner has been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes by fostering a positive emotional environment (Yargawa & Leonardi-Bee, 2015).
Maternal Health Services: Maternal health services are healthcare services specifically aimed at addressing the needs of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. These services include prenatal care, labor and delivery care, postnatal care, and education on maternal health practices (UNICEF, 2019).
Behavioral Changes: Behavioral changes refer to modifications in lifestyle and habits that are adopted during pregnancy to promote better health outcomes. Such changes can include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, improving nutrition, and increasing physical activity. Support from a male partner can significantly influence the adoption of positive behavioral changes (Alio et al., 2011).
Cultural Norms: Cultural norms are the shared beliefs and practices that shape the behaviors and attitudes of individuals within a community. in the context of antenatal care, cultural norms can influence the extent to which male partners are involved in pregnancy-related activities. Addressing cultural norms that discourage male involvement is essential for promoting inclusive antenatal care practices (Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2004).
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