Factors influencing male participation in antenatal care in Kenya:a case of Kenyatta national hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Male participation in the Antenatal Care is essential for realization of socio-cultural and economic development. This study sought to investigate the factors influencing male involvement in the care of their pregnant partners.The researcher was guided by the objectives of the study which included: To assess how the socio-cultural factors influence male involvement; To evaluate the economic factors affecting male involvement, To explore how the health related services influence male participation and To assess the clients’ level of awareness on the services offered in the antenatal clinic. The significance of the male was noted as he is the head of the house and has strong influence on decision making in his family. This research was guided by use of cross-sectional survey in which both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Data was obtained by means of questionnaires, interview guides and observation schedules. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Secondary data was collected from documented information to support primary data. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the sample from the target population of expectant mothers in the antenatal clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital to explore their views on why their husbands don’t attend clinic appointments with them. The men who accompanied their wives/partners were also engaged in an in-depth interview to examine their reasons for coming to the clinic. The data collected was processed, coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS). The findings of the research which were presented using tables were that; social cultural factors, economic issues and health related services influenced male particitation in the antenatal clinic. The researcher also found out that the clients were impressively aware of the services offered and other activities carried out in the clinic. The researcher however concluded that there was need for the facility especialy the clinic area to improve in terms of space and sitting arrangements to accommodate all mothers and their spouses comfortably and add more doctors to facilitate quick and quality services to the clients. The researcher also felt tbe need to advocate for policy change so that the government can pass laws which oblige men to be responsible for their unborn babies and their pregnant partners especially financially and emotionally..