Sex Disparities: Couple’s Knowledge and Attitude Towards Obstetric Danger Signs and Maternal Health Care: in Rural Jimma Zone of Ethiopia

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to compare knowledge and attitudes towards obstetric danger signs and care between females receiving maternal care and their male partners.

Methods and Materials

A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural setting of Jimma, Ethiopia. Female and their male partners were selected randomly. The number of participants included from each sex was 3235 totaling 6470. Face-to-face data collection was employed using open data kit (ODK) software. A pre-test was performed before the data collection. Descriptive and analytical statistical analysis was used to compare knowledge and attitudes regarding obstetric danger signs and care. Predictor variables were declared considering a 95% confidence interval, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and P-value less than 0.05.

Results

On average, male and female participants identified at least two obstetric danger signs. More females could mention more antenatal, childbirth, and postnatal danger signs than their male partners. Both females and their male partners who listened to the radio at least once per week had a statistically significant positive attitude towards obstetric care. Nonetheless, both had an almost similar magnitude of attitude towards obstetric care irrespective of belonging to different occupational, educational, and other social strata. Males’ knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy (95% CI = (1.07–1.62), AOR = 1.32, P < 0.008) and postnatal care (95% CI = (1.16–1.89), AOR = 1.48, P < 0.002) had a statistically significant association with the females utilization antenatal care (ANC) service, though not delivery care (DC) or postnatal (PNC).

Conclusion

There were inequalities in obstetric danger signs knowledge between females and their male partners. Male partners’ knowledge of obstetric danger signs is not only significant during pregnancy and delivery but also has a lasting impact on post-natal service utilization, which underscores the importance of their involvement in maternal healthcare.

Keywords:

• sex
• obstetric danger signs
• knowledge
• attitude
• Ethiopia

Data Sharing Statement

All relevant data are within the paper and in the supporting information file.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the study participants for their time and efforts. We want to thank the Innovative Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) project for supporting this study through the government of Canada’s International Development Research Center (IDRC) and Ottawa University in Canada.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The Safe Motherhood Project is supported by Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa Initiative grants #108028-001 (Jimma University) and #108028-002 (University of Ottawa), which are co-funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Research, and Canada’s International Development Research Center. This study does not reflect the views of these organizations. They solely offered financial assistance for the research’s execution, without involvement in the research process. Ensuring the information is accurate, and grant numbers are correct.