Gender norms, attitudes and perceptions towards male involvement in maternal health In Kafue District

Gender norms, attitudes and perceptions towards male involvement in maternal health in Kafue
district. Despite the efforts by the Ministry of Health in ensuring that national health policy guide
lines in Zambia are put in place and demand male participation in maternal health services, the
response is still low when it comes to accompanying due to work demands, gender norms,
attitudes and perceptions. Quantitative data was collected using closed ended questions from 140
respondents which was processed and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Qualitative data was
collected using in-depth interviews from 10 respondents. Qualitative data was analyzed by
emerging themes and Nvivo10. Among other things, the study revealed that generally men and
women from Kafue were more knowledgeable on antenatal care. In the study it was also revealed
that respondents had a positive attitude towards male involvement however, due to gender norms
theirs roles were limited when it came to delivery and child care. However, the findings show
that men were involved in supporting their wives and helping out with house chores and
providing money for skilled birth at a hospital and postnatal care. Men who were married were
more likely to be involved in maternal health than men who were not married. The study also
revealed that men were not comfortable with discussing their wives pregnancy with a health care
provider due to lack of privacy. Reflection on the findings seems to suggest that there were many
factors affecting male involvement in maternal health. Lack of messages and programs targeting
men, health staff attitude during delivery, gender norms such as men were not allowed to attend
to women when in labor. In the study it was also revealed that men and women had a positive
perception towards pregnancy being a shared responsibility, men supporting and caring for their
wives during and after delivery. Although a high proportion of male respondents in Kafue were
aware of antenatal and postnatal care services, the number of male spouses who actually
accompanied their partners for delivery and postnatal care was low. Kafue District Health Office
should take steps to raise awareness through community outreaches and extend the service to the
weekend so as to accommodate men who work during the week.
Key words: Gender norms, Attitudes, Perceptions, Male involvement, Maternal health.