Abstract:
Background: Male partner involvement during the postpartum period is an effective
intervention to improve maternal as well as newborn health outcomes. There is a
connection between involving male partners and increased uptake of maternal health
services including postnatal care services. Despite this, male partner involvement in their
spouses’ utilization of postnatal care service is not explored in Ethiopia including the study
area.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess male partner involvement in postnatal care
service utilization and associated factors in Motta district, North West, Ethiopia, 2020.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 17, 2020,
to 30, 2020 among male partners whose wives gave birth in the last twelve months in
Motta district. A systematic random sampling technique was used to get the total sample
size of 612 participants. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data.
Data entry was carried out using Epi data version 3.1and exported to Statistical Package
of Social Science version 23.0 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression
analyses was employed to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio with a confidence
interval of 95% and a P value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The overall male partner involvement in postnatal care service utilization was
20.8% with 95%CI (17.57%, 24.11%). Urban residence [AOR=2.42, 95%CI= (1.36, 4.30)],
primary and secondary education [AOR=2.20, 95%CI= (1.04, 3.97) & AOR=1.38, 95%CI=
(1.04, 5.14)], good knowledge on PNC service [AOR=2.34, 95%CI= (1.38, 3.97)], good
knowledge on danger signs and complications [AOR=2.39, 95%CI= (1.38, 4.14)],
favorable attitude [AOR=2.61, 95%CI= (1.55, 4.39)], distance [(AOR=2.35, 95%CI=1.30,
4.26)] and waiting time [(AOR=2.40, 95%CI= (1.44, 4.01)] were significantly associated
with male partner involvement in postnatal care service.
Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of male involvement in postnatal care
service utilization was low as compared to other studies. Community-based awareness
creation through health education by using mass media and campaigning should be
provided to raise their involvement, knowledge, and attitude.