Sociocultural Determinants of Male Participation in Care and Prevention of Malaria among Pregnant Women and Implications in Usonga Ward in Siaya County, Kenya

Although malaria is an endemic illness, there is still inadequate knowledge about it, and misconceptions persist about its manifestation among pregnant women. There is also a dearth of information on male participation in care and support for pregnant women during episodes of malaria. This study was carried out in Usonga Ward in Siaya County in Kenya to explore sociocultural factors affecting male participation in the care and support of pregnant women during malaria episodes. The study's objectives were: 1. Examine the support men provide pregnant women during malaria episodes. 2. Identify the main obstacles to male participation in antenatal care visits that prevent male involvement in the care of pregnant women during malaria episodes. The study was of a mixed-method design. Data were gathered using qualitative and survey methodological approaches. Men whose spouses had experience with pregnancy and childbirth at least two years before the study and women who had had a similar experience were interviewed. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Quantitative data were analyzed using the SPSS program to generate descriptive statistics. Findings show that men in the study area supported their spouses during malaria episodes in pregnancy, albeit in different ways. They helped perform domestic chores during illness and utilized health care services, including antenatal care clinic visits. However, sociocultural factors, among them polygyny, cultural norms about control of family resources, and male dominance, still hinder full participation by men in support and care of pregnant women. The paper concludes that despite these challenges, the findings serve as an entry point for healthcare providers to work with men in the fight against malaria during pregnancy.