Search Results (2)

Despite efforts to promote gender-inclusive approaches to maternal health, male partner involvement (MPI) remains limited, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of the factors associated with a lack of MPI. A mixed method, concurrent/parallel design was applied to explore MPI in maternal health and to identify factors associated with limited MPI. Data collection entailed a cross-sectional survey among 407 fathers together with 16 focus group discussions with men and women of reproductive age and eight community discussions with community leaders. MPI was defined in terms of communication, decision making, physical and emotional support and physical presence at ANC. Data was subjected to descriptive, multiple linear regression and thematic analysis. Three out of five participants (63.9%) scored above the mean for higher levels of MPI in maternal health. Factors significantly associated with a lower level of MPI were younger age, unemployment, men not living with the mother of their youngest child, men who had not had a male role model involved in domestic chores, and men who were not interested in attending future maternal health programmes. In addition, the qualitative analysis also identified relationship problems, family conflicts, health systems barriers and alcohol abuse as hinderances to MPI in maternal health. Health systems capacity is required for the promotion of male partner interventions that are in line with socio-cultural practices and gender norms. Full article

Male partner involvement (MPI) can contribute to the success of programs aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. However, the definition and measures of MPI differ according to context. This study utilized secondary cross-sectional data to investigate the prevalence and determinants of MPI among 463 male partners of HIV-infected pregnant women in rural South Africa. Results indicated that 44.1% of male partners reported involvement in most or all specified male partner involvement activities (i.e., scores of 7 to 9). Descriptive, correlation and multiple linear-regression analyses were conducted. Positive predictors of MPI included relationship status, own HIV status, awareness of female partner’s positive HIV status, female partner’s desire to have more children, having family planning discussions with provider, condom use to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and partner reasoning skills. Negative predictors included partner verbal aggression. Overall, although MPI is low, the study underlines important information that could be used to develop interventions aimed at improving maternal and infant health in PMTCT programs in South Africa. Full article