An Assessment of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care: A Case Study of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.

Abstract

TUSIIME AGNES KATEEBA (2008-M092-30039) An Assessment of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care: A Case Study of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. The research was on male involvement in antenatal care taking a case study of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Mbarara district. The broad objective was to assess male involvement in antenatal care in MRRH. The specific objectives were to find out the need for male involvement in antenatal care, to establish the barriers to male involvement, and identifying the strategies of male involvement in antenatal care. Data were collected from 40 (forty) respondents using the questionnaire, interview guide and observation methods. Secondary data were also collected from the internet, magazines, journals books and other related documents. It was found out that several services are offered at antenatal clinics such as health education, family planning, HIV counselling and testing, pregnancy checkups and all these deem it necessary for the male partners to get involved in antenatal care. It was found out that when partners attend antenatal care together it strengthens their relationship, they know their health status together and get information on other health issues for example, hygiene and nutrition. The barriers that hinder male involvement in antenatal care were; poor attitude of the males, regarded it as a woman‟s affair, lack of transport and the men fearing to be told they are HIV positive. The study was able to identify the strategies to solving the barriers to male involvement such as availing services to the nearby centres, offer timely services and above all, sensitise the masses about the importance of male involvement in antenatal care. The researcher recommends that the government should take services nearer to the people and sensitise the masses about the importance of male involvement in antenatal care. In conclusion, the researcher was able to meet all the planned objectives. Suggestions for further studies were made especially in the rural health facilities so that their views could also be heard. Key Words: Male Partner Involvement, Antenatal Care, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.