| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: In Uganda male involvement in ANC is generally low averaging 3% in 2006, MoH. This remains a challenge to safe motherhood since about 210 million women become pregnant each year with 30 million developing complications which result in over a half a million maternal deaths. Antenatal care is defined as the care given to a pregnant woman to ensure early detection and treatment of pregnancy related complications as well as providing education and information about pregnancy, child birth and peuperium in order to improve her health and that of the baby. For this to be effective their spouses need to be brought on board so that they give them the necessary support.
Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the factors influencing male participation in attendance of Antenatal care in Makindye division, Kampala Capital City Authority
Methodology: This was a cross sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative techniques. A total of 384 expectant mothers attending ANC at the health facilities in Makindye division were randomly selected to participate in the study and 10 Key Informants were interviewed.
Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires and Key informant interview guides.
The quantitave data was then analyzed a computer Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS version 16) at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels of analysis and presented in a meaningful form using tables of frequencies, percentages and charts. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: The results of the study indicated that 98(26%) of the men in Makindye division accompanied their spouses to the health facility for ANC. Factors that were associated influenced male participation in ANC attendance included; couples living together (pv=0.000) those who had 1-2 (0.001) children and those who had attained a high level of education (pv=0.002), among the individual factors. Those who were in polygamous relationships (0.002) and those who worked in sales and services (0.000) were the socio- economic factors that influence male participation in ANC attendance. While those who travelled a distance of less than 5km (0.002) and those who were recognized as a couple at the health facility (0.005).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed low male participation in ANC attendance of and limited knowledge of the respondents about importance of ANC in Makindye division. The outstanding barriers to male participation in ANC included men failing to get time off their busy work schedules and long waiting time. Strategies for improving male participation should include, empowering men and women with knowledge about ANC, formation of fathers‟ clubs at ANC, incorporate services for men alongside ANC like safe male circumcision and having policies that allow men with expectant partners time off work so as
they accompany their spouses for ANC so as to promote male participation in ANC attendance. | en_US |
