Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care and Its Effect on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in New Juaben North Municipality of Eastern Region

Abstract

Despite the multiple benefits of male partner engagement in maternal healthcare, the prevalence of involvement is rather low internationally. Men are rarely involved in accompanying women to seek maternal health care in middle- and low-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, limited research has been done on this subject in Africa and more so in Ghana. The study evaluated the factors that affect male partners’ involvement in antenatal care (ANC) and its effect on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR). The study aimed to address three specific objectives: ascertain the prevalence of male partners' involvement in antenatal care utilisation; identify the sociocultural and economic factors that influence male partners' involvement in antenatal care; and assess the impact of male partner involvement in antenatal care on BPCR in the New Juaben North Municipality. A total number of 310 men between the ages of 18-60 years whose partners were ANC attendants and were pregnant or had delivered in the last 24 months were randomly sampled and interviewed. Semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to gather the data. Excel spreadsheets were used to enter the data and SPSS version 27 was used to analyse it. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to assess male involvement in antenatal care in the New Juaben North municipality. The linear regression model was used to assess the effect of male involvement on birth preparedness. The results indicate that the majority of male partner respondents (58.7%) attended ANC once or more. This observation demonstrated that the participants made some effort to accompany their partners to ANC. However, when asked about active participation in ANC visits (where they saw the health care personnel together with their partners and interacted with them), 73.5% (228) of male respondents gave negative responses which indicate that the majority of individuals were not actively involved in the ANC. The study explored factors influencing male partners' engagement in prenatal care in New Juaben North Municipality. Cultural norms, such as the belief that men should not mix with women or discuss sex openly, were found to be influential in limiting involvement. Health policies like free access to ANC, reproductive health education, and partner participation positively impacted male engagement. Financial issues, including unexpected costs at ANC facilities, negatively affected participation. Regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between male partner involvement in ANC and improved birth preparedness, with a coefficient of 0.031, signifying a 10% significance level. In conclusion, the existing male involvement in ANC within the district is a positive sign. However, to maintain and build upon this progress, it is essential for the health directorate to collaborate with appropriate institutions to conduct comprehensive public education campaigns