Abstract

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is critical for the health and well-being of both mother and fetus during pregnancy. Traditionally, antenatal care has been viewed as the woman’s domain, with men often excluded from participation in the care process. Research into the factors influencing men’s involvement in ANC seeks to understand the barriers and facilitators that shape their participation

Methodology: This study was carried out at the MVOG-BETSI community Yaoundé. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study, using a convenient sampling technique, self-administered questionnaires to cover 100 participants. Ethical consideration was gotten from EXHIST and MVOG-BETSI community. Consent was gotten from participants. Pretesting was done at the MEWULU community. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented on charts, tables and graphs.

Results: The result from this study shows that, for the socio demographic factors that influence men involvement during ANC in the mvog-betsi community, 38% were actively involved in the pregnancy of their partners. In respect to the economic factors, 15% had a standard income that range from 50,000 FRS and 28% earn more than 120,000 FRS, so they could access good health care. Regarding to the cultural factors, this study revealed that, 35% believe that men should be very involved in ANC, 28% agreed that cultural practices influence male participation in ANC.

Conclusion:  There is a need for targeted awareness campaigns that educate men on the value of their involvement in ANC. Policy intervention should aim to foster an inclusive environment that encourages shared responsibility in maternal care among all genders.

CHAPTER ONE

 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Antenatal care, also known as parental care, is a series of appointments with a doctor or a midwife during pregnancy to ensure the health of both mother and child. History traced it that antenatal care (ANC) started way back in the early 20th century in UK. In 1900s, antenatal care (ANC) was traditionally a method to categorize the development in pregnancy according to high and low risk pregnancy. It also helped to reduce maternal and new bone mortality.

For a child to be born, or for a woman to be pregnant it involves two parties which at the end they become parents after the birth of the child. During this period of pregnancy, both parents sought formal educational opportunities to learn about their body’s, activities, processes, stages, and changes during and after pregnancy.

In the early days male partners involved in antenatal care was 45%. Their involvement during antenatal helped them to gain information on pregnancy spacing, utilizing maternal health services, discussing maternal health issues, and providing social and economic support,  Wondwosen and Wakgari (2018).

The number of children, place of residence, waiting time at the health care facility, access to information on men’s involvement in maternal care services, and spousal communication on matters related to reproductive health are significant factors in men’s involvement in maternity care PK Muia (2022)

Women whose partners involved in ANC may hardly experience pregnancy difficulties, due to the support and assurance of their partners there by reducing the risk of some health challenges during pregnancy, as well as making them not feel the stress of the duration of their pregnancy. This is because male partners can provide emotional and economic health support, as well as participating in the house hold tasks, which can contribute to the wellness of the mother and the unborn child. Women who don’t have their male partners involved may face longer waiting time for services. Some services may also delay or refuse to offer HIV testing or ATR if male partners aren’t present, NESAN(2023)

Many factors can affect the man’s involvement in antenatal care (ANC), including:  Education that is Men with diploma or higher education are more likely to be involved in ANC.  Income, Men with higher monthly income are more likely to be involved in ANC. Residence, Men who live in urban areas are more likely to involve in ANC. Age, Men aged 25 to 34 are more likely to be involved in ANC than men aged 15 to 24.Knowledge, those Men who have a high knowledge of the benefits of ANC are more likely to be involved in ANC. Ethnicity, Men from curtain ethnic groups are more likely to be involved in ANC. WHO 2006

Globally, the involvement of men in antenatal care (ANC) has been recognized as a key component in improving maternal and child health outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) highlights that male engagement in ANC can lead to better health-seeking behaviors, increased utilization of services, and improved support for pregnant women. Despite these benefits, multiple factors hinder men’s participation worldwide. Traditional gender roles and cultural beliefs often designate pregnancy and childbirth as exclusively women’s responsibilities, leaving little room for active male participation (Dudgeon & Inhorn, 2020).

Additionally, many health systems are structured in a way that inadvertently excludes men—clinics and programs are often designed with a focus on women, and healthcare providers may lack training or incentives to involve male partners in maternal health discussions (Yargawa & Leonardi-Bee, 2015). Other barriers include work-related time constraints, financial limitations, and a general lack of awareness regarding the positive impact of male involvement on maternal health outcomes.

In Africa, the situation mirrors the global scenario, but with additional layers of cultural and structural complexity. In many African societies, strong traditional gender norms dictate that reproductive health is predominantly a female responsibility. This cultural delineation is reinforced by societal expectations and peer influences, which can stigmatize men who take an active role in ANC (Kululanga et al., 2012). Furthermore, in several African countries, health facilities are often perceived as women-centric environments, which discourages men from participating in ANC activities.

Economic constraints and infrastructural challenges, such as long distances to health facilities and limited transportation options, further compound these issues (Mullick et al., 2021). As a result, despite the potential benefits of male involvement—such as increased uptake of ANC services and improved maternal outcomes—the actual engagement of men in antenatal care remains relatively low across the continent.

In Cameroon, the dynamics of male involvement in ANC are influenced by both the broader African cultural context and specific local factors. Traditional cultural beliefs in Cameroon strongly associate pregnancy and childbirth with women, often relegating men to a peripheral role in reproductive health matters (Tchatchouang & Fouda, 2018). This perception is deeply embedded in the social fabric, with many Cameroonian men viewing involvement in ANC as contrary to established gender roles. Additionally, limited public health education and awareness campaigns targeting men mean that many remain unaware of how their participation can contribute to better health outcomes for both mothers and infants (Kamga, 2019).

1.2 Statement of the problem 

Despite the importance of men in the antenatal care (ANC) for improving health outcomes and promoting healthy relationships, many men are not actively engage in ANC. The lack of men’s involvement in ANC in some women homes has led to poor health outcomes, increased maternal and infant mortality rates, and decreased quality of life in families (WHO, 2019).

These factors influencing men’s involvement in ANC are not well understood, and there is a need to identify the key factors that affects men’s participation in ANC (kululanga and aI .,2011). Parenting starts during pregnancy, were everyone involved, has a vital role to play or contribute to the success of the pregnancy process and child birth.

When the load of parenting during pregnancy is left only for the carrier, it turns to affects the carries or the mothers negatively. But if the responsibility during this pregnancy is equally shared, were everyone plays his role amicably, it will reduce the rate of stress that may further bring more complications during pregnancy as well as mother and child mortality. That is why this research study will be based on finding out and crating awareness on the involvement of men in ANC.

1.3 Research question

1.3.1 General research questions

What are the factors influencing men involvement during ANC at MVOG-BETI COMMUNITY

 1.3.2 Specific research question

1. To identify socio-demographic factors influencing the involvement of men in antenatal AT MVOG-BETI COMMUNITY
2. What are the economic factors that affects men involvement in ANC AT MVOG-BETI COMMUNITY?
3. What are the cultural factors that affects men involvement in ANC AT MVOG-BETI COMMUNITY?

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