Abstract:
Background: Maternal mortality remains a public health challenge. Every pregnant woman faces risk of life-threatening obstetric complications. A birth-preparedness package promotes active preparation and assists in decision-making for obstetric healthcare seeking in case of such complications. Male partner’s involvement in Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness has a capacity to reduce maternal, child and new born death. Globally, 303,000 women die, 99% occurred in developing countries, 66% of deaths in Sub-Sahara African. Ethiopia recorded 412 maternal deaths.
Objective: the main objective of this study was to assess the magnitudes of male involvement on birth preparedness and complication readiness and its associated factors in Bahir Dar Zuria woreda, North West Ethiopia.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 575 participants from September 21st to October 20/2017 G/C. Study was conducted on males who live in Bahir Dar Zuria woreda whose wife gave birth within one year before data collection period. Multistage sampling technique was used. The study participants were selected by using simple random sampling from computer generated table technique and lottery method was used to select Keble’s from the woreda. Descriptive, both binary and multiple logistic regression were used to determine magnitude and identify associated factors. Pre-tested questioner, trained data collectors and supervisor with structured interview questionnaire was used to collect the data.
Result: A total of 575 males participated in the study with 96.3% response rate. The mean age was 34.97 ± 9.9 years. This study determined the magnitude of male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness among males whose wife gave birth within one year is 49.6% with 95%CI (45.6, 53.4). Information and knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness, number of children or parity and getting obstetric health care service from cluster health center are significantly associated factors with male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness.
Conclusion: Male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness in this study is low (49.6%) and information, knowledge, number of children, service from cluster health center and males accompany post-natal care are principal factors significantly associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness.