Determinants of Male Participation in Antenatal Care Activities in Rural Areas:

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, achieving male participation in ANC activities is still a challenge in most health care systems though it’s assessed to be potentially beneficial in women’s health especially expectant mothers. Objective: To investigate factors associated with male participation in antenatal care services in Bukalasa village, Wobulenzi and generate information which will be used in designing strategies to reduce maternal deaths. Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional household survey where 206 men were purposively selected to participate in the study. Two Key Informant interviews (KI) were held. Quantitative data was collected with the use of structured researcher administered questionnaires and qualitative data collected using a detailed Key Informant interview guide. Results: Majority of the respondents, 182 (88%) did not attend ANC services with the wives while only 26 (12%) did so. This indicates the low level of male involvement in ANC and the small proportion of men who escort their wives to health facilities for ANC services. Conclusions: The level of male involvement in Antenatal Care services was low with most men not attending ANC services with their wives and not even knowing the ANC appointments of their pregnant wives. It’s recommended that the government through the ministry of Health should increase awareness on the importance of male involvement in ANC services through awareness campaigns at health facilities and the use of media.