Male Engagement in Antenatal Care and Associated Factors among Married Men with Wives Who Recently Gave Birth in Debretabor Town, North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical issue, with male involvement during antenatal care (ANC) recognized as pivotal in reducing maternal deaths. Limited evidence on male involvement exists in low and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess male involvement during antenatal care and associated factors among married men whose wives gave birth within the last 6 months in Debretabor town, North West Ethiopia in 2023. Objective:Evaluate the level of male involvement during antenatal care and identify associated factors in the specified study area. Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study involved 404 married men, whose wives had given birth within the past 6 months in Debretabor town. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews, entered into EpiData version 4.6, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression analyses determined associations. Results:Male involvement during antenatal care in the study area was 46.8% (CI: 41.6, 51.5). Factors influencing involvement included men's attitude (AOR=2.365), lack of male invitation to the examination room (AOR=0.370), couples' living status (AOR=4.461), men with secondary education (AOR=4.052), men with diploma and above (AOR=4.276), and complications during pregnancy (AOR=6.976). Conclusion and Recommendation: The observed low level of male involvement underscores the need for targeted interventions. Stakeholders should promote male participation through counseling, community mobilization, and awareness campaigns.