MALE INVOLVEMENT IN MATERNAL NUTRITION/HEALTHCARE AS A DETERMINANT OF UTILIZING SKILLED BIRTH ATTENDANT IN RURAL IMO STATE

Olivia Chinyere Afam-Anene, Odinaka Okechukwu Ajaegbu, Agnes Osita-Njoku

Abstract


Male engagement in maternal nutrition and healthcare has been linked to a number of benefits, including more hospital births, better use of antenatal and postnatal care services, adherence to recommended maternal nutritional needs, and a higher chance of using skilled birth attendants during delivery. However, in most regions of Nigeria, the use of a competent birth attendant throughout pregnancy and delivery is undermined by several detrimental cultural practices, such as the restricted male engagement in maternal nutrition and healthcare. It is within this context that this study examined the role of male involvement in maternal nutrition/ healthcare as a determinant of utilizing skilled birth attendant in rural Imo State. The study design was mixed method; utilizing questionnaire and in-depth interview as data collection instruments. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while content analysis method was used for the qualitative data. It was found that while majority of men (51%) discuss the use of skilled birth attendant with their spouse, the level of involvement of men in activities that promote the utilization of skilled birth attendant is average. However, more of the respondents that revealed that men participate in maternal nutrition/healthcare utilized skilled birth attendant during pregnancy and delivery. Therefore to improve utilization of skilled birth attendants during pregnancy and delivery, there is need to enlighten more men on the importance of being actively involved in maternal nutrition/healthcare; since the more they are involved, the likelihood of increase in the utilization of skilled birth attendant during pregnancy and delivery.


Keywords


Male Involvement, Maternal Nutrition, Maternal Healthcare, Skilled Birth Attendant, Rural Dweller

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References


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