Obstetric Caregivers’ Perspectives on Barriers and Perceived Impacts of Male Involvement in Antenatal Care and Labour in Ekiti State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria;

2 Department of Community/Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Bowen University Iwo, Nigeria;

3 Respiratory Research Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust;

4 Department of pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, USA

10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.104532.2634

Abstract

Background: Husband involvement in antenatal care (ANC) and labour is linked to improved maternal
and neonatal health outcomes. However, in Nigeria, male participation remains limited. While most
studies focus on women’s perspectives, little is known about the challenges healthcare providers face
in promoting male engagement. This study explored barriers and the impact of male involvement in
ANC and labour care from the perspectives of obstetric caregivers in Ekiti, Nigeria.
Methods: A qualitative study was done at a tertiary referral hospital in Ekiti, Nigeria, from June
2023 to June 2024. Twelve obstetric caregivers (six doctors and six midwives) were purposively
selected based on their experience in ANC and labour care. Data were collected through two focus
group discussions using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was conducted using
framework analysis following Ritchie and Spencer’s five-step method, and NVivo version 12 was used
for the data analysis.
Results: Five categories were emerged from the data analysis. Three categories were identified in
barriers as “inadequate space and privacy concerns”, “cultural and religious barriers”, and “lack
of awareness and education”. The remained two categories regarding perceived impacts of male
involvement included “improved maternal and birth outcomes” and “increased emotional support and
reduced anxiety.”
Conclusion: Addressing these barriers requires targeted interventions such as expanding maternity
facilities, promoting community education, and integrating male-inclusive policies into maternal
healthcare. These interventions can enhance family-centered maternity care and improve maternal
and neonatal outcomes in Nigeria.

Keywords

International Journal of Community Based Nursing & Midwifery
Volume 13, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 94-102

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