Male Partners Involvement in Maternal Health: A Community-based Cross-sectional Descriptive Study in Urban and Rural Settings in Anambra, Nigeria

Background: Maternal health indicators vary with the dynamics of care delivery and utilization. Active paternal support remains a key driving force towards efficient management of maternal health

Objective: To assess male partners involvement in maternal health in Anambra State Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Multistage sampling technique were used in enrolling a cross- section of 372 male partners in urban and rural communities in Anambra Nigeria, into this survey. Semi- structured questionnaires were designed from relevant literatures, and administered by face to face interviews on consenting enrollees. Statistical analysis of data was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22, tests of association, by chi square at p<0.05.

Results: Majority, 307 (82.5%) of respondents reported awareness of paternal role in maternal health, with the commonest sources of information as television, 145 (39%); radio 125 (33.4%); social media 115 (30.9%). Also, 301 (97%) respondents knew about paternal role, with financial support as the commonest form reported, 330(58.7%). They reported positive attitude to, and 302 (88%) high practice of male partners role in maternal health. Statistically significant associations were found between practices and age (p=<0.001) as well as occupation (p=<0.001).

Conclusions: This study finds apparently high awareness of, high knowledge of, positive attitude to, and high practice of paternal role in maternal health, which is associated with age and occupation. There is need to sustain the reported levels of awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice of paternal role via quality assured need- targeted education on maternal health.