Perspectives of Women About Social Support Provided by Men During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVES: Men have been regarded as critical partners in promoting maternal health and improving pregnancy outcomes, still men have not been able to provide these supports holistically during pregnancy due to the patriarchal nature of many Nigerian societies and dynamics in gender roles. There is a dearth of studies in Nigeria that have investigated the social support spouse provide during pregnancy. This study investigated the perspectives of women about the social support provided by men during pregnancy and factors that could influence or promote these support. METHODS: Forty one consenting women who were purposively selected in six primary health centers that offer ANC services in Ibadan participated in the six focus group discussions; participants ranged from 6 to 8 in each group. Transcripts from audio recordings were analyzed using thematic analysis; similar and dissimilar themes within groups and across groups were categorized. RESULTS: Discussants highlighted ways of providing social support mainly as assisting with household chores and taking care of other children. None of the discussants stated accompanying to antenatal clinic by their spouses as a way social support was provided during pregnancy. Almost all the women highlighted that social support provided by men changes as pregnancy advances but the changes were dependent on the number of children. CONCLUSIONS: Community education and male friendly sessions are encouraged to promote men's participation and engagement during pregnancy.

Social Support Provided by Men to their Spouse during Last Pregnancy.

Background: Social support provided by men during pregnancy is critical in the promotion of maternal health and improving pregnancy outcomes. Few studies have reported the social support men provide during pregnancy, its influence on pregnancy and outcomes. This study investigated social support men provide to their spouses during pregnancy. Methodology: This cross-sectional study utilized proportionate sampling technique to select 220 mothers across 6 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) that provide antenatal care (ANC) services in Ibadan, Nigeria. A validated quantitative instrument with 18-point knowledge scale on social support was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p=0.05. Results: Respondents mean age was 27.6±5.5 years. Over a third (36.8%) of the respondents were accompanied to the ANC clinic by their husbands. Majority (96.4%) of the respondents had good knowledge of social support (17.0±2.6). Almost all (98.6%) reported being made happy and given peace of mind by their husbands during pregnancy. Parity and family type were significantly related to social support men provide in helping to take care of other children and identifying wife's fears and worries and subsequently offer encouragement respectively. Conclusion: Though men were generally supportive of their wives during pregnancy, they were not directly involved in their antenatal care. A template can be developed by the government to include sessions where men can be taught ways they can support their spouses during pregnancy. This is important for positive pregnancy outcomes and reduction in maternal mortality.