Attitudes of Male Partners Toward Maternal Nutrition During Pregnancy: Evidence from Antenatal Care Attendees in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is influenced not only by women's dietary knowledge and choices but also by household attitudes and support. Male partners may influence access to nutritious foods, nutrition-related decisions and engagement with antenatal nutrition services. However, evidence specifically examining men's attitudes towards maternal nutrition remains limited in Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 respondents attending antenatal care at Azuiyiokwu Maternal and Child Health Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Attitudes towards maternal nutrition were assessed using ten four-point response items addressing balanced diets, partner support, male involvement, healthy-food expenditure, cultural and traditional beliefs, foetal health, responsibility for nutrition, and nutrition education and counselling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses. Results: Supportive attitudes were evident across several dimensions of maternal nutrition. Most respondents endorsed the importance of a balanced diet (87.7%), expressed concern about foetal health (87.7%), supported their partners in maintaining a good diet (86.0%), and believed that men should be involved in maternal nutrition (86.0%). Nutrition education as part of antenatal care was supported by 84.8%, while 82.5% encouraged their partners to attend nutrition counselling. Most respondents rejected the propositions that buying healthy food was a waste of money (74.9%), that cultural beliefs were more important than medical nutritional advice (71.9%), and that traditional herbs alone were sufficient during pregnancy (69.6%). However, 55.6% agreed that taking care of nutrition was the woman's responsibility. Conclusion: Male partners expressed substantial support for recommended maternal nutrition, professional nutrition guidance and male involvement. However, favourable attitudes towards involvement coexisted with gendered perceptions of nutritional responsibility. Partner-inclusive antenatal nutrition interventions should therefore extend beyond encouraging male participation to promote practical, collaborative support while maintaining women's autonomy.