scholarly journals Exploring the meanings of male partner involvement in the prevention of MTCT of HIV in Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimbai Chibango

Male partner involvement (MPI) in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is considered as one of the priority interventions in reducing paediatric HIV. However, there is neither a standard definition nor measurement for MPI in PMTCT. The study explored meanings of MPI in PMTCT programmes in Zimbabwe. Eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with men and women aged 18 years and above. Seven key informants (KII) from health institutions and organisations providing PMTCT services were interviewed. Eight in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with pregnant women at two public health facilities. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Five major themes were identified which facilitated our understanding of MPI. Male partner involvement was referred to as participation of male partners in HIV couple counselling and testing. Acceptance of condom use during pregnancy and breastfeeding was deemed vital as this prevents HIV transmission. Male partners were expected to have knowledge of administering antiretroviral drugs to an HIV-exposed child. Provision of financial support was another form of male involvement commonly expected during antenatal and postnatal periods. Faithfulness in marriage was a major theme that was highlighted, especially by respondents in marital relationships. Male partner presence in PMTCT community educational sessions was also considered. However, the provision of male-oriented educational programmes was identified as poor. The study suggested a definition for MPI in PMTCT in Zimbabwe. The merit of this definition was that it took a holistic approach to include activities beyond antenatal activities and HIV testing. Future research should explore how public health institutions could create male-oriented health services within PMTCT programmes, as this has the potential of increasing men’s involvement in PMTCT of HIV.Contribution: This article contributed to the knowledge on how world views, which is shaped by culture and religion, influenced the formation of meanings on MPI PMTCT programmes.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Farrukh Ishaque Saah ◽  
Elvis Enowbeyang Tarkang ◽  
Joyce Komesuor ◽  
Eric Osei ◽  
Evelyn Acquah ◽  
...  

Background. With more than half of the global maternal deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, skilled attendance during childbirth is essential in achieving safer births and lower maternal mortalities. Given that societal ascriptions of gender roles strongly influence the utilisation of skilled care by women, male partner involvement in skilled birth is essential. We explored male partner involvement in skilled birth at the North Dayi District of Ghana. Methods. This qualitative study interviewed 14 mothers and their male partners, together with two health professionals. The participants were purposively recruited using in-depth interviews. Data collected were analysed manually, but thematically. Result. Male partners had inadequate knowledge of childbirth and the skilled birth process as well as possible complications arising during delivery. Even though the male partners demonstrated positive perception towards skilled birth and their involvement in the process, their actual involvement in skilled birth care was generally low. Factors which inhibited most of the male partners from getting involved in skilled birth care were health facility nonconduciveness and occupation. However, motivations to do so were marital commitment and sense of responsibility, past experience, nearness to health facility, and safety and survival of partner and baby. Conclusion. These findings imply that Ghana may not be able to meet the Sustainable Development Goal Three target of reducing its maternal mortality ratio from 216 to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Stakeholders in Ghana’s health industry need to develop male accommodating skilled birth policies and approaches to promote male involvement in skilled birth care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
Rose A. M. Nyang’au ◽  
Maximilla Wanzala ◽  
Tom Were

Globally, male partner involvement in antenatal care and skilled delivery services remains a challenge to effective management of maternal health. Maternal morbidities and mortalities have been increasing due to the underutilization of antenatal care and skilled delivery attendance at a global level. However, developed countries have had a different story on male partner involvement in antenatal care and skilled delivery attendance – most male partners are involved in the process. But sub-Saharan Africa in the global south records the highest percentage of male partners who are never active in accompanying their female counterparts to visit antenatal care and skilled delivery. In Kenya male involvement in maternal services remains low despite it being recognized as one of the pillars of safe motherhood. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate male partner involvement in promoting antenatal care and skilled delivery attendance in Bumula Sub-County of Bungoma County in Kenya. It focused on the level of male partners involvement in maternal health. The study adopted a cross-sectional design. The target populations were married men and community health volunteers. The study had a sample size of 427 persons. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, key in-depth interview guides, focused group discussion guides and observation checklist. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Scientist version 25. Data were presented using tables, figures, narratives and direct quotes. The study found a low level of male involvement (18%) in promoting antenatal care and skilled delivery attendance. Most of the male partners (83.1%) did not plan with their partners for ANC and skilled delivery services, however, (54.1%) accompanied their partners to the clinics. The study concluded There was a low level of male partner involvement in ANC and skilled delivery attendance. About 18% of male partners were involvement in ANC and skilled delivery attendance. There was an improvement of male partner involvement in accompaniment and provision of support. The study recommended that the two levels of government through the Ministry of Health should create awareness campaigns and public education with a targeted massage on negative cultural practices/mindset that hinder male partner involvement in maternal health services in the Bumula sub-county.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Amukugo Hans Justus ◽  
Neshuku Hanna ◽  
Julia Paula Nangombe

<p>The purpose of this article is to describe the guidelines for operationalising a model to facilitate male partner involvement in RH. Guidelines were developed for the implementation of the model to facilitate male partner involvement in RH through the management of a partnership environment. These guidelines may be implemented in those health facilities that provide RH services, namely, clinics, health centres and hospitals. The nurses, in collaboration with significant stakeholders from the community, representatives from the line ministries and NGOs, will be able to facilitate male partner involvement in RH.</p><p>These guidelines and strategies were derived from the conceptual framework which was generated by means of deductive reasoning and analysis. The guidelines and strategies at each level are aimed at facilitating male partner involvement in RH through the management of the partnership environment by enabling male partners to become actively involved and participate and to eliminate those factors that impede the full participation of male partners in the RH context. The chapter will focus on these guidelines which are expressed in terms of the aims and strategies of each of the four phases in facilitating male partner involvement in RH.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimbai Chibango

Male partners’ involvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) intervention programmes is crucial in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. However, male partner involvement in PMTCT is low in most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the major factors associated with male partner involvement in PMTCT of HIV programmes in the Gokwe North District of Zimbabwe. The study utilised qualitative methods. Data was collected using a pretested interview guide. Purposive sampling methods were used to select participants of focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Interviews were conducted from May to September 2015. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The study revealed that local traditional leaders played a role in mobilising men in communities. Awareness campaigns enhanced communities’ knowledge about PMTCT. Couple communication proved to be vital in promoting male involvement. However, stigmatisation against men utilising antenatal-care services, fear of HIV results and a lack of knowledge of the practices surrounding PMTCT of HIV programmes were hindrances to male partner involvement. Collaboration and engagement amongst stakeholders especially with traditional leadership can be essential in increasing male partner participation in PMTCT. Education has proved to be a catalyst in the de-stigmatisation of men in PMTCT programmes. Moreover, HIV counselling can illuminate an understanding on the implications of HIV test results. The significant contribution of this article is its demonstration of the role of African traditional leadership and belief systems in curbing HIV infections, particularly in terms of male partners’ involvement in PMTCT initiatives.Contribution: The significant contribution of this article is its demonstration of the role of African traditional leadership and belief systems in curbing HIV infections, particularly in terms of male partners’ involvement in PMTCT initiatives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Atenchong Ngwibete ◽  
Chizoma M Ndikom ◽  
Felix E Anyiam

Background/Aims In 2015, the World Health Organization recommended male partner involvement in maternal and child health as an effective strategy to combat maternal and child health in pregnancy. Healthcare practitioners' acceptance of male partners in maternal and child healthcare is likely to improve provider and patient satisfaction. The main objective of the study was to assess nurses' and midwives' perceptions of male partner involvement in maternity care, and their willingness and constraints to performing it in selected hospitals in Imo, Nigeria. Methods A mixed-method approach was used to gather data from nurses and midwives in the antenatal care, labour and postnatal care wards of selected hospitals. A semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data assessing the participants' perceptions of male partner involvement in maternity care and of the barriers to it. Quantitative data were analysed through bivariate analysis, using the Chi squared test, and key quotes were extracted from qualitative data to illustrate relevant points. Results The majority (57%) of the respondent had a good perception of the concept of male partner involvement. The ward that a participant worked in significantly affected their perception (P=0.01). Respondents were willing to accept male partners in maternity care through education and providing more male-friendly services. However, sociocultural, hospital policy and structural factors restricted acceptance of men in the wards. Conclusions Nurses and midwives in all wards should be educated on the importance of male partner involvement in maternity care. Nurses and midwives need to engage in community health education programmes that will modify cultural constraints to male partner involvement and facilities should modify their structure and policies to be more male-friendly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye Forbes ◽  
Karen Wynter ◽  
Berihun M. Zeleke ◽  
Jane Fisher

Abstract Background Maternal mortality remains a pressing concern across Sub-Sahara Africa. The ‘Three Delays Model’ suggests that maternal deaths are a consequence of delays in: seeking care, reaching medical care and receiving care. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) refers to a plan organised during pregnancy in preparation for a normal birth and in case of complications. Male partners in many Sub-Saharan African communities could play a pivotal role in a woman’s ability to prepare for birth and respond to obstetric complications. This review aimed identify: the extent and quality of research performed on the topic of male partner involvement in BPCR in Sub-Saharan Africa; the degree to which populations and geographic areas are represented; how male partner involvement has been conceptualized; how male partners response to obstetric complications has been conceptualised; how the variation in male partners involvement has been measured and if any interventions have been performed. Methods In this scoping review, articles were identified through a systematic search of databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Maternity and Infant Care and a manual scan of relevant papers, journals and websites. All authors contributed to the screening process and a quality assessment using the Kmet checklist. The PRISMA checking list for Scoping Reviews was used to guide the search, data charting and reporting of the review The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42019126263). Results Thirty-five articles met inclusion criteria, reporting: 13 qualitative, 13 cross-sectional, 5 mixed method and 4 intervention studies. Data were contributed by approximately 14,550 participants (numbers were not always reported for focus groups) including: women who were pregnant or who had experienced pregnancy or childbirth within the previous 3 years, their male partners and key informants such as health workers and community leaders. Conclusions The diversity of study designs, aims and source countries in this body of literature reflects an emerging stage of research; as a result, the review yielded strong evidence in some areas and gaps in others. Male partner’s involvement in BPCR and responding to obstetric emergencies can be conceptualised as being centrally involved in responding to complications and having some role in preparing for birth through their position in the chain of decisions and provision of logistic support. However, their knowledge of pregnancy complications and level of preparation for birth is low, suggesting they are making decisions without being fully informed. There is limited evidence on interventions to improve their knowledge. Future research efforts should be focused on producing standardised, culturally appropriate, higher level evidence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Amukugo Hans Justus ◽  
Kareen Jooste ◽  
Julia Paula Nangombe

<p>The aim of this article is to describe a model to facilitate male partner involvement in the RH context. The findings in chapter 3, step1 – concept analysis – which comprised the identification, definition and classification of concepts and the construction of an interrelationship between concepts and statements (chapter 4), formed the basis for the development of this model. This model to facilitate male partner involvement in RH is based on the theory generation of Chinn and Kramer (1991). The central concepts are defined by using the rules described by Rossouw (2000/1,) and Copi and Cohen (1996). Lastly, the model evaluation has been done in accordance with the method of Chinn and Kramer (1991).</p>


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248436
Author(s):  
Haile Chanyalew ◽  
Eshetu Girma ◽  
Tesfaye Birhane ◽  
Muluken Genetu Chanie

Background Only screening a pregnant mother is not satisfactory to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). A male partner’s involvement in HIV testing and counseling is also critical for PMTCT, however, it is one of the biggest challenges in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess a male partner’s involvement in HIV testing and counseling and associated factors among partners of pregnant women in the Delanta District, Northern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in the Delanta District from March 15 to May 10, 2018. During the study period, 609 male partners were involved. A binary and multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the association between variables. Results Out of all, 325 (53.7% at 95% CI: 49.6 to 57.5) of male partners were involved in HIV testing and counseling in the District. Male partners who were living together, ever heard about HIV from health professionals, pregnant women’s antenatal care (ANC) visit, partner visited the PMTCT clinic with wife, and partner and wife discussion before HIV testing and counseling were factors associated with male partner involvement. Conclusion The proportion of male partner involvement was found to be low as compared to the national standards. Local health authorities and health care workers need to develop and conduct interventions that help partners with their wife to live together, improve their awareness about HIV and testing, ANC visit by pregnant women, and encourage having home discussion before HIV testing through counseling, by so doing finally raise the level of male partner involvement in HIV testing and counseling.


Author(s):  
Atenchong Ngwibete

Abstract: Male partner involvement has been recommended as an effective strategy to combat maternal and child death in pregnancy and childbirth and to promote effective child care. This study assessed nurses'/midwives perception Knowledge on male involvement in midwifery care. A total of 84 nurses/midwives were purposively selected from the facility for the study. The study employed a quantitative approach in which a questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Respondents’ were aware of the importance of male involvement in maternity care and 60.7% of the respondents had a good level of knowledge on male involvement in maternity care. Respondents’ number of years in practice (X2 =13.76, p=0.001)and rank (X2 =14.75, p=0.012) were significantly associated with their level of knowledge. If facilities can improve the knowledge of nurses/midwives and other health care providers on the concept of male involvement and in maternity care, there will be the implementation of a more ‘Male-friendly’ care approach in maternity care.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isotta Triulzi ◽  
Olivia Keiser ◽  
Claire Somerville ◽  
Sangwani Salimu ◽  
Fausto Ciccacci ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionMale partners are rarely present during PMTCT (Prevention-Mother-To-Child-Transmission) services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The involvement of men is increasingly recognised as an important element of women’s access to care. The study aims to identify the socio-demographic characteristics, HIV-Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among women accompanied and not accompanied by the male partners to the facilities.MethodWe included pregnant women enrolled in PMTCT programme between August 2018 and November 2019 in the Southern Region of Malawi. Eligible women were aged 18 years or older, lived with a male partner, enrolled for the first time in four DREAM facilities. We provided a KAP survey to women and their partners attending the facilities. Our primary outcome was to assess and analyse the proportion of women who were accompanied by their partner at least once. We applied descriptive statistics, and logistic regressions to study the association between being accompanied and explanatory variables.ResultsWe enrolled 128 HIV-positive women : 82 (64.1%) were accompanied by their male partners and 46 (35.9%) were alone. Women with high level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS are more likely to be accompanied by the male partners (53.7% vs 34.8%,p=0.040). Level of attitude and practice were not different between women accompanied or not. Patients owning a mean of transport were more likely to go alone to facility (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.02-16.94). Women who travelled more than 90 minutes to get to the facilities (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.49) with high HIV-knowledge (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.91) are more likely to be accompanied.ConclusionOur study showed a good male partner involvement compared to other studies performed in SSA. To our knowledge this is the first study outlining the relationship between male partner involvement in care with socio determinant of health. This is crucial to design and implement effective interventions.


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