HEALTH FACILITY FACTORS INFLUENCING MALE INVOLVEMENT IN ANTENATAL CARE AMONG CLIENTS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC AT NEBBI GENERAL HOSPITAL, NEBBI DISTRICT A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Teddy Adero; Miria  Atim

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i12.1450

Authors

Teddy Adero Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Jerusalem Institute of Health Sciences
Miria Atim Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Jerusalem Institute of Health Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i12.1450

Keywords:

Antenatal care, Male involvement, Nebbi General Hospital

Abstract

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for maternal and fetal health, yet male involvement in ANC remains low globally. Despite efforts to encourage male participation, studies indicate low levels of involvement across Africa, including Uganda. This study aims to identify factors influencing male involvement in ANC at Nebbi General Hospital.

Methods

The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative approach using purposive sampling to collect data from pregnant women and their partners attending the antenatal clinic, with a final sample size of 37 participants, and data analysis conducted using SPSS version 20.0

Results and discussions

There was a 100% response rate with 37 participants. The study revealed that distance to the facility, discussion of antenatal care with health workers, and comfort with health workers' gender were key determinants of male involvement.

Conclusion

Various health facility factors significantly influence male participation in antenatal care (ANC), affecting maternal and child health outcomes.

Recommendation

To improve male involvement in ANC, hospitals should provide flexible clinic hours, especially for working men. District health officers should address health facility factors and train health workers to effectively engage with male partners.

Nursing implications

Nurses should educate expectant mothers and their male partners on the importance of male involvement in ANC and its impact on pregnancy outcomes, advocating for flexible clinic hours to accommodate diverse backgrounds.

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