Abstract:
Introduction: the 1994 International Conference
on Population and Development (ICPD)
recommended that men should share responsibility
and be actively involved in responsible parenthood,
sexual and reproductive health. The level of male
involvement in Kenya remains low despite growing
evidence showing its benefits in maternal and
newborn health. This study sought to determine
factors influencing male partner involvement in
maternal and child health with focus on
accompaniment to maternal and child health
(MCH) department. Methods: a qualitative study
utilizing exploratory design was used to gather the
views of men and nurse-midwives working in the
MCH department of Thika and Kiambu County
Teaching and Referral hospitals in January 2022.
Qualitative data were collected from three and
two focused group discussions from nurses and
men respectively. The number of participants per
Focused Group Discussion (FGD) ranged between
six to Eight. The principal author moderated the
FGD that were audio recorded and lasted between
60-90 minutes. Content analysis was used to
analyse data following the five steps to yield
themes using MAXQDA 2022 software. Results:
five categories emerged as factors influencing
male accompanying their spouses to MCH clinic:
traditional gender norms, roles and beliefs,
unfavorable MCH environment, work commitment,
fear of HIV testing and men’ s work commitment.
Conclusion: traditional gender roles and norms,
work commitment by men and unfavourable MCH
set-up were key barriers identified that hinder men
from accompanying their spouses to MCH clinic.
There is need to develop an effective, feasible and
sustainable intervention that will encourage male
partners to accompany their spouses and
participate in MCH services.