Introduction
In the realm of maternal and child health (MCH), the involvement of male partners is often overlooked, yet research indicates it can significantly impact health outcomes. A recent scoping review titled "Effect of male partners' involvement and support on reproductive, maternal and child health and well-being in East Africa" highlights the profound effects male involvement can have on MCH. This blog aims to explore these findings and encourage practitioners to consider male involvement as a critical factor in improving health outcomes for mothers and children.
Key Findings from the Research
The review analyzed 96 studies across East Africa, involving over 118,000 mothers and 15,000 male partners. The studies spanned various aspects of MCH, including antenatal care (ANC), childbirth, HIV care, breastfeeding, family planning, and intimate partner violence (IPV). The findings consistently showed that male partner involvement is associated with improved health outcomes:
- Antenatal Care: Women with supportive male partners were more likely to attend ANC visits and complete the recommended number of visits.
- Childbirth: Male involvement was linked to increased use of skilled birth attendants and health facility deliveries.
- Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition: Supportive partners contributed to higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding.
- HIV Care: Male participation in HIV-related activities improved adherence to prevention measures and treatment.
- Family Planning: Joint decision-making with male partners led to higher uptake and sustained use of contraceptives.
Challenges and Recommendations
Despite the positive impacts, the review identified challenges such as cultural norms that limit male involvement and the lack of a standardized measure for male involvement. To address these challenges, the authors recommend:
- Developing a standardized measure of male partner involvement to guide research and interventions.
- Promoting regional coordination to share successful strategies and interventions across East Africa.
- Creating culturally sensitive educational programs to redefine gender roles and encourage shared responsibility in reproductive health.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can play a pivotal role in fostering male involvement by:
- Encouraging male partners to participate in ANC visits and health education sessions.
- Facilitating couple-based counseling sessions to improve communication and joint decision-making.
- Advocating for policies that support male involvement in MCH at the community and national levels.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear: male partner involvement can significantly enhance maternal and child health outcomes. By integrating this approach into practice, health practitioners can contribute to healthier families and communities. For those interested in further research, the original scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence and is available for further reading.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effect of male partners' involvement and support on reproductive, maternal and child health and well-being in East Africa: A scoping review.
