Perceived Deterrents to Involvement in Maternity Care of Spouse and Seed of Solution among Men in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background and Aim: Men involvement in maternal health services globally has been associated with positive reproductive health outcomes, such as increase in the use of contraceptives, improved maternal health outcomes and increased uptake of interventions to prevent HIV transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the perceived deterrents to involvement in maternity care of Spouse and Seed of solution among men in Port Harcourt Metropolis.

Materials and Methods: This qualitative study involved in depth interviews (IDIs) with 11 husbands of women who had at least on child in Port Harcourt metropolis. The interview aimed at investigating perceived deterrents to involvement in Maternity Care of Spouse and Seed of Solution among men in Port Harcourt metropolis.

Results: The findings from this study have shown that poor awareness on participation, financial challenges, tight schedule of male partners, spousal conflict, government policies which includes hospital policies and health care provider’s attitude were perceived as deterrent to active spousal involvement. In order to get men to be involved, these deterrents must be addressed and tackled effectively.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings from this shows that majority of men have positive attitude towards male involvement in maternity care except for some perceived deterrents. I recommend awareness campaign must be enforced at all public places like markets, churches, mosques, Primary Health centers, male and female social groups. Television, radio jingles and all social media platform should be maximized in sensitization of entire public. Also, all key stake holders should be involved to encourage the uptake of men involvement in child birth. NGOs should design and fund programs that catch men to be involved in maternity care. The Government of Nigeria should create more jobs and put in full force paternity leave to ensure all men have time to be part of maternity care.