Factors Influencing Male Partner’s Knowledge on Their Role during Antenatal Care in Mangu, Nakuru Country

Abstract

Male participation is key in the implementation and use of Antenatal Care (ANC) amenities. Over the years, there has been a slight increase in male participation in reproductive health. However, there is evidence that majority of those who participate do not understand their role in ANC. This study aimed to establish males' knowledge regarding their role in the ANC continuum. The study design was cross-sectional. The study population consisted of males with female partners aged 18-49 years who live in Mangu town, Nakuru County, Kenya, and have had a full-term delivery within the past 5 years. A sample of 73 respondents was recruited for the study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Majority of the respondents (45.2%) were between ages 31-40 years. The main source of credible knowledge on ANC were health care providers, 71.2% of the respondents who escorted their female partners to ANC clinics waited outside the consultation room as their female partners sought medical attention hence, they either had little or completely no knowledge on ANC. Male's knowledge of ANC is influenced by age, type of family (monogamy or polygamy), level of education and caregiver’s attitude. Male partners should be provided with targeted education regarding their role in the ANC continuum.