Determinants of Male Partner Participation in Antenatal Care at Kangundo Hospital, Kenya

Male partner involvement (male partner participation (MPP)) in antenatal care (ANC) is shown to boost ANC attendance and compliance to recommendations, which in turn improves maternal and newborn health outcomes. MPP is still low in Kenya and in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) despite this. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2014), the MPP rate was 30%. Burundi (18.2%), Senegal (31.8%), and Zimbabwe (32.4%) showed comparable patterns. The purpose of this study was to identify the key factors affecting MPP in ANC visits as well as its prevalence. An analytical cross‐sectional study design was conducted on a sample size of 250 mothers seeking childcare services in Kangundo, Machakos County, and Kenya, from July and August 2023. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed on all variables and associations with MPP were examined using the Chi‐square ( χ 2 ) test. Logistic regression was used and a step‐wise Akaike information criterion was done to determine the predictors of MPP. The prevalence of MPP in Kangundo was 29%. The significant predictors of MPP were health education (OR = 34.12; 95% CI: 13.36–95.55; p ‐value = 0), pregnancy complication (OR = 17.99; 95% CI: 5.62–66.72; p ‐value = 0), and the pregnant mothers request for male partner accompaniment to ANC (OR = 7.39, 95% CI: 3.04–19.77). In conclusion, to promote MPP, the study recommends that targeted healthcare education should be prioritized to inform male partners of their role and the importance of participating in ANC. The healthcare system must create an inclusive environment that facilitates MPP rather than relying solely on mothers to encourage their partners.