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Reproductive Health

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Care | Research

Men’s perception of barriers to women’s use and access of skilled pregnancy care in rural Nigeria: a qualitative study

Authors: Sanni Yaya, Friday Okonofua, Lorretta Ntoimo, Ogochukwu Udenigwe, Ghose Bishwajit

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Greater paternal engagement is positively associated with improved access to and utilization of maternal services. Despite evidence that male involvement increased uptake of maternal and child services, studies show that few men are participating in MNCH programs. Community leaders have long been engaged in public health promotion in rural settings and have been shown to mobilize communities to enhance changes in cultural practices related to public health. With the ultimate goal of increasing men’s involvement in maternal health, this study seeks to understand men’s perceptions of community and health systems barriers to maternal access and usage of skilled care in rural Edo, Nigeria.

Methods

This qualitative study involved the analysis of data collected from community conversations with male elders in Etsako East and Esan South East Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Community conversations participants (n = 128) comprised of elders between the ages of 50–101. A total of 9 community conversations were conducted. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and imported into Atlas.ti 6.2 for content analysis.

Results

Men’s perceptions of barriers to maternal use of skilled care are presented in two overarching themes: community systems and health systems. Three sub themes were generated as community systems barriers to maternal healthcare use, they include: gender roles, traditional treatment and policy changes. Three sub themes emerged under health system barriers and they include: cost of health facilities, dissatisfaction with facilities and distance from facilities.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that community elders are not only in a good position to influence men’s behavior, they are also a source of information to policy makers on strategies to overcome barriers to maternal health, especially at the community level. Furthermore, community elders need support to enact regulations that will promote men’s involvement in maternal health, thereby increasing maternal use of skilled care.

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Title: Men’s perception of barriers to women’s use and access of skilled pregnancy care in rural Nigeria: a qualitative study
Authors: Sanni Yaya
Friday Okonofua
Lorretta Ntoimo
Ogochukwu Udenigwe
Ghose Bishwajit
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-019-0752-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Men’s perception of barriers to women’s use and access of skilled pregnancy care in rural Nigeria: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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