Assessment of male involvement in maternal health care in Holy Family Hospital Berekum

Abstract

The study determined male involvement in maternal health care in Holy Family Hospital, Berekum. A cross sectional observational design was used to collect in-depth information for the study. The sample population was obtained using convenience sampling technique. A total of 50 respondents were sampled for the study. The data for the study was collected by administering the questionnaire to the participants. The study found that majority (96%) of the respondents agreed that maternal health is the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period. Majority (98%) of the respondents were in favor of the statement ‘‘ANC or PNC is where women seek help regarding their maternal health’. It came out clearly that 94% of the respondents were of the opinion that severe abdominal pain is as danger sign in pregnancy. Majority (82%) of the respondents mentioned that male involvement in maternal health care increases the self-esteem of the female partners. The study recommended that Maternal Health Care centers should encourage good attitudes towards male involvement in MHC services. Waiting time at the various ANC/PNC centers should be reduced to increase male partners involvement in ANC/PNC. The study concluded that respondents had adequate understanding regarding the meaning of maternal health care. The overall knowledge regarding obstetric danger signs was good. The leading benefits of male involvement in maternal health care were decreasing childbearing complications, raising self-esteem of female partners and postpartum utilization of maternal services