Attitude and Involvement of Male Partner in Maternal Health Care in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The participation of men in maternal health care [MHC] is recognized as a crucial strategy to enhance maternal health care. Research assessing male participation in MHC and factors influencing their involvement in Ethiopia is minimal, despite the important role of men in maternity care.Objective: To assess the attitude and involvement of the male partner in maternal health care in Nifas Silk Lafto sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2020. A sample of 411 married men was recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered in Epidata version 4.6 and SPSS version 25 used for analysis. The association between the dependent variable (Male partner involvement in maternal health care) and independent variables was checked using Multivariable logistic regression.Results: A composite score was obtained by adding the level of participation in all three aspects of maternity care together, and the overall level of participation in maternity care was 103 (25.1%) with good participation and 308 (74.9 %) with poor participation. Almost half of the study participants [48.7%] had a positive attitude towards maternal health care.In multivariate analysis, men whose spouse had unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 0.46, 95%, CI: 0.222 - 0.956), who did not reside with their partner (AOR = 0.09, 95 % CI: 0.011- 0.804), who did not obtain information in prenatal and postnatal clinics (AOR = 0.101, 95% CI: 0.056-0.181) were variables significantly correlated with male participation compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: The level of men’s involvement in maternity care was poor. In this study, access to information on men's involvement in maternity care, education, and living conditions were the determinants of men's participation in maternity care. These findings provide a useful guide for targeting future strategies for potential male participation.