Resumption of Sexual Activities Post-Childbirth: Examining the Relationship Between Perceptions of Male Partners of Young Women and their Timing of Sexual Resumption in Bongo District

Background: Postpartum sexual activity is frequently resumed earlier than is recommended in low-resource settings, endangering the health of the mother. Postpartum decision-making is heavily impacted by partner-related and cultural factors, especially in rural and patriarchal environments. Previous research has been focused on the perspectives of women, with little consideration given to the potential influence of male partners on postpartum sexual behavior. Aim: This study aimed to assess husbands’ awareness of the health implications of early postpartum sexual resumption and their willingness to delay sexual activity until their wives are physically and emotionally ready in the Bongo District. Methods: Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 92 male partners of young women aged 18-50 years through a closed-ended questionnaire, which included Likert-scale items measuring perceptions related to postpartum sexual health. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed a moderate awareness of physical changes post-childbirth and a lower knowledge of common issues like hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, husbands exhibited a strong willingness to support their wives, with high scores for prioritizing their feelings about intimacy and emotional support. Regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between husbands’ knowledge levels and their attitudes toward sexual resumption indicating a variance in attitudes. Conclusion: This study emphasized the importance of men’s knowledge and attitudes on postpartum sexual health, as well as their desire to support their spouses during the recovery phase.