Date of Award

10-30-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Policy and Management

First Advisor

Dr Tazeen Saeed Ali

Second Advisor

Ms Kiran Mubeen

Third Advisor

Dr Muhammad Masood Kadir

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Male Partner Involvement (MPI) is a highly neglected strategy to enhance maternal and child health in Pakistan. The complex social structure and multifaceted nature of access to healthcare for women in Pakistan demand evidence-based approaches to antenatal care (ANC).
Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to identify the factors that influence male partner involvement in antenatal care service utilization in a secondary care facility in Karachi, Pakistan. The secondary aim is to explore the experiences of men related to MPI and understand the stakeholder’s perspective on MPI.
Methodology: This study is a descriptive exploratory qualitative research. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews using a purposive sampling approach. 25 in-depth interviews with men of reproductive age, 2 focus group discussions with female pregnant patients and healthcare providers and 2 key informant interviews were conducted. Data was analyzed using inductive approach through Creswell Framework (2017).
Findings The result of the study identified 5 themes: Understanding of ANC, Understanding of MPI in ANC, Benefits of MPI, Challenges to MPI and Recommendations for MPI. It was established that there is limited male partner involvement in ANC service utilization. Men are restricted from participating at the secondary care facility. There is a perceived growing trend of accompaniment of men with women to health facility, but restriction to entry into clinics and wards serves as a barrier to participation. Clinic timings and long waiting hours also discourage men to accompany their wives. A cultural shift is also evident in the interviews supporting men's involvement. Men in the ANC facility described experiences of frustration during their visits due to poor xi physician communication efforts, inability to discuss maternal health with healthcare providers, and low knowledge of required role in ANC. To fill the gap of male involvement, it is crucial to take further actions including evidence-based policymaking to engage men and improve patient-centered care. Furthermore, there is a need for gender inclusive healthcare practices in antenatal care services related to men involvement which requires more research in this regard.
Conclusion: Male partner involvement is crucial for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The perceived cultural shift and high demand for engaging men in ANC services, suggests evidence-based, culturally acceptable, and gender inclusive interventions. Structural limitation of the healthcare facility restricting service delivery spaces serves as a challenge to implementation in this regard.

First Page

15

Last Page

79

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