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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Perspectives of men on antenatal and delivery care service utilisation in rural western Kenya: A qualitative study
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Volume 13, Article 134, Year 2013
Notification
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Description
Background: Poor utilisation of facility-based antenatal and delivery care services in Kenya hampers reduction of maternal mortality. Studies suggest that the participation of men in antenatal and delivery care is associated with better health care seeking behaviour, yet many reproductive health programs do not facilitate their involvement. This qualitative study conducted in rural Western Kenya, explored men's perceptions of antenatal and delivery care services and identified factors that facilitated or constrained their involvement.Methods: Eight focus group discussions were conducted with 68 married men between 20-65 years of age in May 2011. Participants were of the Luo ethnic group residing in Asembo, western Kenya. The area has a high HIV-prevalence and polygamy is common. A topic guide was used to guide the discussions and a thematic framework approach for data analysis.Results: Overall, men were positive in their views of antenatal and delivery care, as decision makers they often encouraged, some even 'forced', their wives to attend for antenatal or delivery care. Many reasons why it was beneficial to accompany their wives were provided, yet few did this in practice unless there was a clinical complication. The three main barriers relating to cultural norms identified were: 1) pregnancy support was considered a female role; and the male role that of provider; 2) negative health care worker attitudes towards men's participation, and 3) couple unfriendly antenatal and delivery unit infrastructure.Conclusion: Although men reported to facilitate their wives' utilisation of antenatal and delivery care services, this does not translate to practice as adherence to antenatal-care schedules and facility based delivery is generally poor. Equally, reasons proffered why they should accompany their wives are not carried through into practice, with barriers outweighing facilitators. Recommendations to improve men involvement and potentially increase services utilisation include awareness campaigns targeting men, exploring promotion of joint HIV testing and counselling, staff training, and design of couple friendly antenatal and delivery units. © 2013 Kwambai et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Kwambai, Titus K.
Kenya, Liverpool
Kemri/cdc Research and Public Health Collaboration
Kenya, Nairobi
Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Dellicour, Stephanie
Kenya, Liverpool
Kemri/cdc Research and Public Health Collaboration
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Desai, Meghna R.
Kenya, Liverpool
Kemri/cdc Research and Public Health Collaboration
United States, Atlanta
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ameh, Charles Anawo
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Person, Bobbie
United States, Atlanta
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Achieng, Florence
Kenya, Liverpool
Kemri/cdc Research and Public Health Collaboration
Mason, Linda
United Kingdom, Liverpool
University of Liverpool
Laserson, Kayla F.
Kenya, Liverpool
Kemri/cdc Research and Public Health Collaboration
United States, Atlanta
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ter Kuile, Feiko O.
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Statistics
Citations: 165
Authors: 9
Affiliations: 5
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1471-2393-13-134
e-ISSN:
14712393
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Kenya
Participants Gender
Male
Female