Factors Influencing Male Involvement During Child Birth Among Men Attending Health Services At Kawaala Health Centre III, Rubaga Division, Kampala District.

Abstract

Back ground: The study was to determine the factors influencing male involvement during child birth among men attending health services at Kawaala Health Center III , Rubaga division, Kampala District. The main objective was to explore the factors influencing male involvement during child birth among men attending health services at Kawaala Health Center III, Rubaga division, Kampala District,. The specific objectives : The specific objectives of the study were to determine the level of male involvement during child birth among men attending health services, to determine socio demographic factors influencing male involvement during child birth among men attending health services, to determine health facility related factors influencing male involvement during child birth among men attending health services ,to determine cultural factors influencing male involvement during child birth among men attending health services. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study design was used where 166 respondents were interviewed and one key informant from the Health facility was interviewed. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collections were used as to obtain information in regards to the above study. Results : The proportion of male involvement was high with 72% of men who were found to have escorted their wives to the health facility for childbirth. Better couple communication, joint decision making on preparation, place of delivery, including number of children were found to have positive impact on male involvement during child birth. Positive health workers attitudes and short waiting time were found to have positive influence on child birth. Most men who escorted their wives, during child birth did not access the delivery room for purpose of privacy to the rest of the women, a practice which may push them away from attending to their child birth in future. Conclusion and recommendation: Government to come up with policy regarding male involvement during pregnancy and child birth. Mass sensitization of the public on importance of active male involvement during pregnancy and child birth, through talk shows in media, health talks in health facilities across the country be considered. Government to consider redesigning of labour wards/delivery rooms in all government aided Health facilities throughout the country. Training of nurses and midwives on couple handling, creation of schedules to accommodate men‟s busy schedule and further research study were recommended.