The Perceptions And Experiences Of Men’s Involvement In Antenatal And Postnatal Care: A Study Of Greenhill Community At Oyarifa In Ghana

ABSTRACT Men’s participation in antenatal and postnatal care issues is critical to the health of mothers and their children. However, issues of maternal health have exclusively been regarded as affairs of women with less focus on men’s involvement which is generally low. In Ghana, men are seen as the primary decision makers in the home, hence their participation in maternal health issues is considered to be very essential. Antenatal and postnatal care has been considered by the World Health Organisation as important phases in ensuring the survival of both the mother and the baby. Men’s participation in antenatal and postnatal in Ghana is becoming recognised, as they are seen to play key role in providing their spouses with the needed support thereby impacting the well-being of the mother and baby. This is a strategy to minimise maternal mortality in Ghana, however, little studies have been embarked on in this area. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the perceptions and experiences of men’s involvement in antenatal and postnatal care in the Greenhill community at Oyarifa. Qualitative research design was employed using in-depth interviews and focus group discussion to collect data from 29 participants. Participants included 10 married couples, 6 unmarried community members and 3 health workers who were purposively selected form households and work places for the study. Data was transcribed and analysed thematically using the six steps of thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke. The results showed that, majority of the participants saw the need for men’s involvement during the antenatal and the postnatal periods. Some participants perceived that men who involved themselves understood the importance of intimate relationship. Also, the study revealed that, mostly women attend antenatal and postnatal sessions alone. But, men who went with their spouses to the sessions were given preferential treatment as they accessed quicker services at the clinic. Men gave support to their spouses in various ways as most support was financial with a few domestic support. However, culture has greater influence on men’s involvement both at home and outside the home. Participants revealed that men’s involvement could strengthen bonds, enhance relationships, and have the potential to reduce maternal and child mortality. The study recommends that workshops and seminars should be organised in various communities to encourage more men involvement. Gender inequity should be addressed through education and sensitisation as well as advocating for policies to encourage male participation in maternal health issues.