Cultural barriers to male partners’ involvement in antenatal care in Limpopo province

Abstract

Background: Participation of male partners in antenatal care (ANC) is a complicated process that involves social and behavioural transformation. It necessitates that males take a more active part in reproductive health. Men’s participation in prenatal care has been linked to beneficial health outcomes such as enhanced maternal health outcomes across the world. However, culture has been identified as a barrier to male partners’ participation in prenatal care.

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the cultural barriers to male partner involvement in ANC.

Setting: The study focussed on selected clinics and hospitals under Vhembe District, Limpopo province.

Methods: Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used in this study. Qualitative data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the collected data from semi-structured interviews and FGDs.

Results: The findings revealed three themes: cultural beliefs and practices that affect male partners’ involvement in ANC; gender-related barriers that affect male partners’ involvement in ANC; and socioeconomic barriers to male partners’ involvement in ANC.

Conclusion: The study’s findings revealed that certain cultural beliefs and practices are a stumbling block to male partners’ involvement in antenatal healthcare.

Contribution: Culturally based developed strategy might help in improving the knowledge and practices of male partners in ANC.