Determinants of Men’s Involvement in Maternity Care in Dodoma Region, Central Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Background. Men’s involvement in maternity care is recognized as a key strategy in improving maternal health and accelerating

reduction of maternal mortality. This study investigated the factors determining men’s involvement in maternity care in Dodoma

Region, Central Tanzania. Methods. This cross-sectional survey used multistage sampling in four districts of Dodoma Region to

select 966 married men participants aged 18 years and above. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate

logistic regression analysis was carried out in SPSS version 21.0 tomeasure the determinants ofmen’s involvement inmaternity care.

Results.The study found that only 1 in 5 men were involved in maternity care of their partners. Factors found to determine men’s

involvement in maternity care were having >4 children (AOR=1.658, 95%CI=1.134 to 2.422), urban area of residence (AOR=0.510,

95%CI=0.354 to 0.735), waiting time >1 hour at the health care facility (AOR=0.685, 95%CI=0.479 to 0.978), limited access

to information (AOR=0.491, 95%CI=0.322 to 0.747), and limited spousal communication (AOR=0.3, 95%CI=0.155 to 0.327).

Conclusions. Long waiting time to receive the service and limited access to information regarding men’s involvement are associated

with low men's involvement in maternity care. Male friendly maternity care should recognize men's preferences on timely access

to services and provide them with relevant information on their roles in maternity care. Spousal communication is important;

mothers must be empowered with relevant information to communicate to their male partners regarding fertility preferences and

maternity care in general.