Knowledge of Males and Their Participation in Antenatal Care in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the knowledge of males and their participation in antenatal care in Kirinyaga county, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. The sampled population was 400 respondents who met the inclusion criteria during the study period and were selected using a stratified sampling method. Data collection was done by the use of structured questionnaires. A pre-test study was done in Embu County, whereby 40 males were selected through a simple random method. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 29, where descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted. On descriptive data, frequencies and percentages were provided. In inferential statistics, chi-square results were used to show the correlation between the variables. The results were thereafter presented using tables, graphs, and pie charts. The results revealed that 216(67.3%) men indicated that pregnant women required a balanced diet, while 58(18.1%) noted that proteins were important, and 9(2.8%) indicated that carbohydrates were needed by pregnant women. In regards to number of feeding times, 148(46.1%) men noted that pregnant women had no limit to how much they should consume in a day but as long as they want to. The minority group of 55(17.1%) noted that the women are required to feed 2 times a day. Further, 316(98.4%) of men were for the idea of pregnant women taking supplements such as Folic acid and Ferrous sulphate 300(93.5%). Further, 161(50.2%) men noted that their wives needed to visit health facilities on a monthly basis, while 106(33%) noted that it should be at least 4 times during the pregnancy. The study noted that most men were also aware of the importance of frequent visits for ANC on the health of the pregnant mother and their child. They also understood that pregnant women required a balanced diet offered at an unlimited frequency of feeding. However, it was noted that men had low knowledge of what constituted a light and heavy workload for pregnant women. When men accompanied their wives during their ANC visit, the topic related to the magnitude of work, in terms of which work was considered light or heavy for a pregnant woman to engage in, was minimally discussed by the healthcare provider. On knowledge, it is recommended that there is a need for the Ministry of Health at national and county level to develop a policy framework. This framework provides clear information about various duties that a pregnant woman is supposed to engage in and what is considered harmful. The same should be communicated to both the males and their pregnant wives. Through this approach, the men get educated on the need for monitoring the kind of household tasks that pregnant women are constantly engaged in.