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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Care | Research

An examination of the factors associated with male partner attendance in antenatal care in India

Authors: Pooja L. Paul, Shanta Pandey

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

A growing body of literature indicates that including male partners in antenatal care can be instrumental to improving women’s health service utilization and maternal and child health outcomes. Despite this, very few studies have documented overall trends in male partner attendance and what factors influence this involvement within the Indian context. In this study, we used nationally representative data to examine levels of male partner attendance in antenatal care and the factors associated with male partner attendance.

Methods

Data were used from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015-16. Weighted (probability weights) descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize the level of male partner attendance in antenatal care in India, and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the factors associated with male partner attendance in antenatal care.

Results

In 2015, of the women who had attended at least one antenatal care contact during their pregnancy, about 85% reported that their male partners had accompanied them to antenatal care contacts, with variations across regions. Level of education, household wealth, knowledge of pregnancy-related issues, men’s age at marriage, region, and women’s level of autonomy emerged as significant predictors of male partner attendance in antenatal care.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the multiple influences that shape male partners’ attendance in antenatal care. The findings underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach to programs and interventions aimed at encouraging male partner involvement; recognizing men both as individuals, as well as being situated within the family/household and community.

Within this context, male involvement in maternal care is used as an umbrella term and includes male partner attendance in antenatal care, arrangement of transportation, assistance in household activities, presence during delivery and postpartum care.

Marginalized Hindu Communities were classified as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) based on the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.

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Title: An examination of the factors associated with male partner attendance in antenatal care in India
Authors: Pooja L. Paul
Shanta Pandey
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Care
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-05851-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

An examination of the factors associated with male partner attendance in antenatal care in India

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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