Factors Associated with Male Partner Involvement in Maternity Care in Mbeya, Tanzania.

Abstract

Background: Male partner involvement in maternity care is critical to improving neonatal and maternal health by reducing maternal mortality, particularly in settings where males play a significant role in decision-making. This study aimed to assess factors associated with male partners involvement in maternity care in Mbeya, Tanzania.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among men in Mbeya City, Tanzania, from April to June 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from participants. Male involvement level was measured as low, moderate or high. X² test and multinomial logistic regression models were applied to determine association between male involvement levels and related factors.

Results: A total of 201 males participated in the study. The overall level of male involvement during antenatal care, labour and delivery and postnatal care indicated that 44 (21.7%) had a high level of involvement, 116 (58%) had a moderate level of involvement and 41 (20.3%) had a low level of involvement. Demographic and health facilities factors indicated a significant association with male partner level of participation (P<.001). The likelihood of a man accompanying the partner was significantly associated with staff attitude and the time spent at the health facility (AOR 1.726 at 95% CI 1,394-2.136 P<.001).

Conclusions: Findings indicated a generally moderate level of male partner involvement as a critical concern that can accelerate the decline in maternal mortality and improve maternal health. Enhancing the male-friendliness of health facilities in terms of infrastructure, organisation of services and staff attitudes, as well as educating the community, particularly men, to sensitise them to the negative attitudes toward male participation in maternity care, can increase male participation.