How Are Men Getting Involved in Antenatal Care? A Cross-sectional Study from Coastal Karnataka, India

Background and Aim: Antenatal care (ANC) ensures the well-being of expectant mothers and their unborn babies. Fathers' involvement in ANC is essential for timely decision-making and interventions, reducing the burden on mothers. Research shows that paternal involvement improves the utilization of healthcare services. This study aims to assess the knowledge and involvement of husbands of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in a tertiary hospital in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023 at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Purposive sampling was used to recruit husbands accompanying their spouses for delivery. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic profile, knowledge of ANC, and husbands' participation in antenatal care. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23. Results: The study included 124 participants, with a mean age of 32 (29-36) years. The majority had completed secondary education. Most participants were Muslims and from rural areas. Most (91.5%) participants recognized the necessity of ANC visits. Around 90% of the participants knew about the need for investigations during the antenatal period, except for serological tests (one-third or less). Less than half (48.8%) of the participants accompanied their wives for ANC visits. Conclusions: The study demonstrated good knowledge among the husbands accompanying their wives for antenatal visits regarding the need for ANC visits, investigations to be done, and identifying danger signs of pregnancy.