Male partners involvement in their wives' antenatal care and its associated factors in southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Involvement of male partners in antenatal care (ANC) is an effective approach to improve maternal and child health outcomes. It also enhances maternal healthcare utilization as males prevails decision-making regarding healthcare utilization in most developing countries including Ethiopia. Despite the acknowledged importance of male partners involvement, there is no research data in the study area. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the status of male partners' involvement in antenatal care and associated factors in Chencha town, which is found in southern region of Ethiopia. Methods: The study adopted a community-based cross-sectional design from April 1-30, 2022, among 560 male partners in Chencha Town. To collect data, we use a structured, pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Analysis of data was performed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics including mean, frequency, and percentage were used to summarize pertinent characteristics of study participants. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to detect the association between the independent and outcome variables. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 in the final model. Result: The study found that 57% (95% CI: 53%-61%) of male partners were involved in antenatal care. Age 20 to 29 (AOR = 2.60, 95%CI:1.26, 5.37), more than secondary educational level (AOR = 2.04, 95%CI:1.08, 3.88), being government workers (AOR = 2.03, 95%CI:1.12, 3.67), exposure to information on male involvement during antenatal care (AOR = 4.37, 95%CI: 2.77, 6.91), and males' knowledge about pregnancy danger sign (AOR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.62, 4.02) were factors positively associated with male partner involvement in antenatal care. Conclusion: The prevalence of male partner involvement in antenatal care was relatively high, but it still needs to be improved to reach acceptable level. The involvement thrives among those aged 20-29 years, who have been exposed to information on male involvement in antenatal care, have higher education levels, government employees, and are aware of pregnancy danger signs. These factors can be used to target interventions that aim to increase male involvement in antenatal care, which helps to improve the health of both mothers and children.