Involvement Of Males In Utilization Of Maternal And Child Health Services: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Women’s Perspective

Background: Men in patriarchal societies of developing countries like India are often identified as decision makers in all aspects of life. Men’s supportive stance in MCH services utilization plays crucial role in reduction of maternal and child mortality. Aim: To study the involvement of males in maternal and child healthcare services. Objective: To study sociodemographic profile of study participants and knowledge and practices of their husbands about MCH services. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 married women having one living child less than 2 year of attending immunization clinics of Government medical college and hospital, Miraj. Information about socio-demographic and reproductive health characteristics, male participation in reproductive and child health care services was collected entered in MS excel and analyzed. Results: Among the females 70% were below 25 years of age and age of the husbands of 71% participants were less than 30 years. 64% females were belonging to Muslim religion, 84% were residing in urban area, 82% stayed in joint family, 58% educated up to secondary school, 67% belongs to socio-economic class IV. 61% husbands were decision maker in family planning, 78% husbands accompanied for ANC visit,79% husbands knew about the govt. MCH scheme 94% husbands knew about increased need for food & rest by pregnant women, 63% were having knowledge about complications of pregnancy and delivery. But only 22% husbands accompanied for child’s immunization. Only 34% husband help in domestic work, 63% paid attention on diet/food frequency of their wives and 51%encouraged & paid attention on adequate rest of their wives. Conclusion: Men are aware of various aspects of antenatal and intra natal care, their husband’s involvement during antenatal period was found to be good but it decreases during immunization phase of the child. Involvement for helping in domestic work, encouraging for adequate rest & food during ANC was also less. So, creating specific Health education and SBCC activities about maternal & child health among men may enhance their positive involvement.