Empowering Men For Improved Maternal Healthcare In India: A Study On The Impact Of Male Engagement

Abstract

Background: The document provides an in-depth analysis of the role of husbands in maternal and child healthcare in India, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and involvement in antenatal care (ANC) and institutional delivery.

Methods: The data was collected from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-21, with a sample size of 19,765 males aged 15 to 59 and females aged 15 to 49. The study examines various socio-economic background characteristics of the sample population, including age, wealth quintile, place of residence, caste, and decision-making power. It also explores the husband's justification of wife beating and its impact on maternal healthcare, as well as the factors influencing the utilization of ANC and institutional delivery.

Results: Almost 98% of husbands were aware about understanding of pregnancy and childbirth, whereas only 23% were accompanying their children to healthcare facilities. Further, around approximately 27%, and 16.3% of respondents affirmed about the financial constraints in ANC and delivery in health facilities, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of raising awareness among key stakeholders, particularly husbands, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to maternal health in India.

Conclusions: Overall, the document aims to fill a gap in knowledge by examining the husband's involvement in maternal healthcare and emphasizes the importance of designing programs with a deep understanding of local gender dynamics. It provides valuable insights into the dynamics within households and calls for immediate policy attention to address the lack of knowledge among husbands concerning maternal and child healthcare matters.