Document Type
Article
Department
Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health
Abstract
Background and Aims: East African countries have high rates of maternal and childmortality and morbidity. Studies have shown that the involvement of male partners inreproductive health can benefit maternal and child health (MCH). This scoping reviewaims to provide an overview of the evidence across East Africa that describes malepartner involvement and its effect on maternal, reproductive, and child well‐being.
Methods: Ten databases were searched to identify quantitative data on male'sinvolvement in East Africa. Studies reporting qualitative data, “intention to use” dataor only reporting on male partner's education or economic status were excluded.Studies were organized into five a priori categories: antenatal care (ANC), humanimmunodeficiency virus, breastfeeding, family planning, and intimate partnerviolence with further categories developed based on studies included.
Results: A total of 2787 records were identified; 644 full texts were reviewed, and96 studies were included in this review. Data were reported on 118,967 mothers/pregnant women and 15,361 male partners. Most of the studies (n = 83) werereported from four countries Ethiopia (n = 49), Kenya (n = 14), Tanzania (n = 12) andUganda (n = 10). The evidence indicates that male partner involvement and supportis associated with improved reproductive, MCH across a wide range of outcomes.However, the studies were heterogeneous, using diverse exposure and outcomemeasures. Also, male partners' lack of practical and emotional support, andengagement in violent behaviors towards partners, were associated with profoundnegative impacts on MCH and well‐being.
Conclusions: The body of evidence, although heterogeneous, provides compellingsupport for male involvement in reproductive health programs designed to supportMCH. To advance research in this field, an agreement is needed on a measure ofmale partner “involvement.” To optimize benefits of male partners' involvement,developing core outcome sets and regional coordination are recommended.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Health Science Reports
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.2269
Recommended Citation
Fletcher, R.,
Forbes, F.,
Dadi, A. F.,
Kassa, G. M.,
Regan, C.,
Galle, A.,
Beyene, A.,
Liackman, R.,
Temmerman, M.
(2024). Effect of male partners' involvement and support on reproductive, maternal and child health and well-being in East Africa: A scoping review. Health Science Reports, 7(8), 1-12.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/coe-wch/111
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Maternal and Child Health Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons, Women's Health Commons