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.

Knowledge as Determinant of Healthy-Eating Among Male Postgraduate Public Health Students in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution.

Unhealthy eating, which is quite prevalent among the adult population globally, is a major risk factor for Non-Communicable Diseases. Men have the tendency to visit food vendors without recourse to body nutrients requirement, health and expectations as potential change agents. The study was thus designed to investigate the knowledge and practices of healthy eating among male public health students in a Nigerian tertiary institution. Data was collected from 161 consenting respondents. Knowledge of healthy eating was assessed on a 25-point knowledge scale; score ≥19 was rated good, <19≥12 fair and <12 poor. Practices of healthy eating were assessed using a 34-point practice scale; score ≥26 was rated good and <26 poor. Patterns of eating was determined using food frequency questionnaire; descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out at α=0.05. Respondents' age was 28.9 ± 5.5 years; they were mostly Christian (87.0%), Yoruba (69.6%) and 21.1% were married. Their body mass index was 23.1 ± 3.1kg/m2, monthly income ranged between N5000 and N300,000, 2.5% smoked tobacco/cigarette and 28.0% consumed alcohol. Good knowledge was observed among 52.2% of the respondents, 37.9% had good healthy eating practices, 49.7% did not eat breakfast everyday while only 13.7% consumed fruits and vegetables daily. The most reported factors influencing choice of food included health maintenance and food availability. Respondents' knowledge and practices relating to healthy eating was significant. Knowledge of healthy eating was average and practice was poor among the study population. Strategic health education and behaviour change communication could motivate male students for healthy eating.

Behavioural risk factors for sexually transmitted infections and health seeking behaviour of street youths in Ibadan, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Street youths are faced with a number of health challenges that could be linked to their exposure to the risk elements, accessing medical care including motivation and /or ignorance to utilise available health care. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study therefore aimed at determining the behavioural risks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and health seeking behaviour of street youths in Ibadan. METHODS: Sixteen focus group discussion (FGD) sessions were conducted among 160 street youths aged between 15-24 years. RESULT: The result showed that most of the respondents had low perception of risk of contracting STIs in spite of their risky behaviours which included multiple sexual partnering, sharing of personal effects, malnourishment and sexual harassment. Most of the street youth could not identify the various types however; Gonorrhea and HIV were commonly mentioned by them. The major treatment regimen for STIs was traditional remedies and drugs obtained from patent medicine vendors. Traditional remedies were preferred by most of the participants and considered to be more effective. CONCLUSION: Majority of the street youths were sexually active, engaged in high risk sexual behaviours and had inappropriately treated sexually transmitted infections. Development of risk reduction and appropriate sexual health interventions targeted at prevention and appropriate treatment is recommended.