OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study is to look critically into men involvement in pregnancy care to assess their role in decision making in pregnancy care, the level of men’s awareness of danger signs of obstetric emergency and to investigate the attitude, action and perception of men in obstetric emergencies.

MATERIALS-METHODS:

This study was conducted in Ife central local Government of Osun state, Nigeria. Obalufon and Sabo communities were purposely selected to incorporate the three major ethnic background in Nigeria.Multi-stage sampling technique and serial recruitment were used. Qualitative data were obtained with the use of gender-specific focus group discussions. Data analysis was done using computer statistical package for social sciences.Level of significance was placed at p< 0.05.

RESULTS:

300 married (131 men and 169 women) respondents in reproductive age groups were selected and interviewed. Men were the major decision makers in pregnancy with women playing supportive role. Less than 15% of female respondents took part in decision making. Men’s role was found to be mainly in the area of financial support. The level of men attendance at the antenatal clinic was very low (7.9%). Men’s awareness of danger signs in pregnancy was high and in obstetric emergency many men believed the women should make the decision. Health seeking behaviour when in need of emergency obstetric care was independent of educational status and ethnicity.

CONCLUSION:

The study showed male gender supremacy in decision making. It also showed that a high level of male education on reproductive health and obstetric care was needful to improve pregnancy outcome. To a varying extent men in this study supported their wives during pregnancy in financial contribution and accompanying them to health facility for delivery but major decisions were made by men. Spousal attendance especially at antenatal clinic and delivery should be encouraged as these would serve as avenues to educate them.

Keywords: Safe motherhood, male involvement, pregnancy care