They Call Me “Salomey”: Factors Influencing Male Involvement In Antenatal Care Services In The Ho Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

The study was a qualitative study which adopted interpretive phenomenological design to explore the social and cultural factors influencing male partner involvement in antenatal care service. The study specifically examined the perception of men on their engagement in antenatal care, and explored how socio-cultural and facility-related factors affect the engagement of male partners in antenatal care. In addition, personal factors which influence men’s engagement in prenatal care were determined. Interview guide was used to collect data from a total of twenty-three (23) respondents made up of an opinion leader, chief, elder and male partners who escorted their partners to antenatal care clinic. Purposeful and convenient sampling procedures were used to select participants for the study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that male partners perceive that their involvement in antenatal care shows care to the woman, reduces her workload and makes her happy. Also, sociocultural factors which affect male partner involvement in antenatal care are stereotyping and erroneous societal perceptions. Again, attitude of staff at health facilities and inadequate space at these facilities are the key health-related factors which influence involvement of men in antenatal care. It was recommended that there should be increased education and sensitization on the importance of male involvement in antenatal care. Also, the Municipal Health Directorate of the Ho municipality must strengthen sensitization of all health workers to always put-up attitudes that are receptive and accommodative, especially, to men who accompany their partners to antenatal clinic.