Abstract

Background Participation of men in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is crucial for the reduction of infant and maternal mortality. Men may be influential in making health care decisions that may affect their female partner's access to health care services, but also as individuals, whose health status has a significant impact on the health of their partners' and that of their children. However, male involvement is still inadequate due to various reasons. This paper sought to explore the community perspectives towards participation of men in maternal and child health care in Kabale District, Western Uganda. Methods The study used a case study approach. Household questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, direct field observation and document review were employed to collect data. One hundred and twenty-four respondents completed a household questionnaire, eight key informants took part in semi-structured interviews and thirty-six community members (two men and two women groups) participated in focus group discussions. Results The participation of men in maternal and child health care was found to be low. Patriarchal community values and norms influencing gender roles hindered male involvement in MCH. More so, sensitisation on the importance of male involvement was inadequate. Conclusion Men's participation in MCH is affected by multiple factors emanating from the community and health institutions. Involving men in MCH is critical, and therefore participatory and comprehensive approaches should be applied to encourage participation. Sensitisation of communities is fundamental for increasing awareness of the significance of male involvement in MCH.

Keywords

Participation; Maternal health care; Child health care; Uganda

Published in

BMC Public Health
2019, Volume: 19, number: 1, article number: 1048
Publisher: BMC

SLU Authors

• Nuhu, Said

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Ardhi University

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG5 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
SDG3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
SDG10 Reduce inequality within and among countries


UKÄ Subject classification

Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7371-3

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/101258