Individual Factors as Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Male partner involvement in maternal health is crucial in reducing maternal neonatal morbidity and mortality as well as a crucial component in the optimization of Maternal and Child Health services. Despite global efforts to improve male partner involvement, in Kenya this has remained low. This study explored individual factors that determine of male partner involvement in antenatal care in Kamenu Ward, Kiambu County. Specifically, the study looked into the effects of individual male partner factors such as the demographic factors and knowledge on male partner involvement in antenatal care. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design which provided both quantitative and qualitative data. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 384 male partners aged 18 - 90 years who were residents of Kamenu Ward. Correlation results revealed that male partner’s individual factors had significant positive relationship with their involvement in ANC. It was concluded that male partner factors such as knowledge of ANC, level of income, nature of employment, age, marital status, religion and level of education influences male partner involvement in ANC positively. The researcher recommends management of health facilities to ensure that male partners are encouraged to actively participate in their spouses ANC as this plays a vital role in improving the health of the mother and the baby.

Keywords: Male partner involvement, Antenatal care, Pregnancy, Maternal health

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/97-02

Publication date: January 31^st 2022