Factors Associated with Male Involvement in Institutional Child Delivery Services of Their Partner in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Male partner involvement in reproductive health services is an important strategy to decrease maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Despite this, little attention is given to this issue around the globe, particularly in Africa, where male dominance is high. This study aimed to assess male partner involvement in institutional delivery services in Lemmo district, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 male participants. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study samples. A structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Male involvement in institutional delivery was measured using six yes or no items. The participants were asked if they communicated with relatives and health care providers, saved money, arrange transportation, decide to give birth at an institution, and arrange blood donation. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to show the strength and direction of the association. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 251 (43.1%, 95% CI: (39.2, 46.9)) male partners were involved in the institutional delivery services of their partner. Primary educational level [AOR=2.2, 95% CI: (1.361, 3.532)], secondary and above educational level [AOR=2.4, 95% CI: (1.46, 4.01)], having good knowledge [AOR=3 (95% CI: (2, 4.49)], positive perception [AOR=3.66, 95% CI: (2.45, 5.46)], and discussing institutional delivery with their spouse [AOR=1.99, 95% CI: (1.3, 2.99)] were significantly associated factors.

Conclusion

More than two out of five male partners were involved in the institutional delivery services of their partner. Attending formal education, having good knowledge, positive perception, and discussing institutional delivery with a spouse were significantly associated factors. Strengthening male partner involvement in reproductive health services and enhancing the culture of reproductive inter-spousal communication through couple counseling and peer-to-peer group sessions at a facility and community level are important measures.

Keywords:

• male involvement
• institutional delivery
• Lemmo
• Ethiopia

Abbreviations

ANC, Antenatal care; MNH, Maternal and newborn health; MMR, Maternal mortality ratio; NMR, Neonatal mortality ratio; RH, Reproductive health; SRH, Sexual and reproductive health; WHO, World Health Organization.

Ethical Approval

The study was conducted following the declaration of Helsinki on human subjects. Ethical clearance was secured from Haramaya University Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee (IHRERC) and official permission was obtained from the Lemmo district health office and municipal. After the purpose, benefit and risk were briefed, informed consent was obtained from the study participants.

Acknowledgments

We would like to appreciate Haramaya University. Our heartfelt thanks also extend to the staff of Lemmo district, supervisors, data collectors, and the study participants for their willingness and cooperation in the data collection process.

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 in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; 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 declare that they have no conflicts of interest.