Author/Authors :
Aliabedian ، Arezo Department of Psychology - Islamic Azad University, Ayatollah Amoli Branch , Agajani Delavar ، Mouloud Department of Midwifery - Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute - Babol University of Medical Sciences , Khan Mohammmadi ، Arsalan Department of Psychology - Islamic Azad University, Ayatollah Amoli Branch
Abstract :
Introduction: The benefits of male involvement in pregnancy have recently gained recognition. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of Iranian men rsquo;s attendance during pregnancy and its association with sociodemographic factors in Babol, Iran. This study also aimed to improve the male involvement in maternal health in Iran. Methods: In a cross sectional study, a total number of 600 pregnant women, attending the antenatal clinics in both public and private medical centers from Feb. to Sep. 2015, were selected through a systematic random sampling method. A semistructured questionnaire comprising 10item, twochoice questions (YesNo) elicited information about the men rsquo;s attendance at antenatal clinic, their help with household chores, their attendance at counseling sessions, and their paying for the pregnancy service bills. Results: According to the results, 414 husbands under study (69.0%) accompanied their wives to the antenatal clinic during the pregnancy. Nearly, less than half of the husbands (42.5%) helped their wives with household chores during pregnancy. After adjusting for suspected confounding factors, the OR of Iranian men rsquo;s attendance at antenatal clinic for men with special job was 2.76 (95% CI, 1.26 6. 05 P = 0.011), and for men with low educational level, it was 0.404 (95% CI, 0.18 0.90 P = 0.026). In addition, the OR of Iranian men rsquo;s at household chores for men with special job was 2.60 (95% CI, 1.43 4. 74 P = 0.002), and for men with educational level between 7 to 12 years, it was 0.404 (95% CI, 0.18 0.90 P = 0.002). No significant associations were found between Iranian men rsquo;s attendance in pregnancy with the age of men and women, income, residence status, education of women, job of women, birth order, or pregnancy intention. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the Iranian men rsquo;s attendance in pregnancy is low. The Iranian Ministry of Health should strive to provide adequate guidelines for the development of male involvement in pregnancy.
Keywords :
Pregnancy , Antenatal care , Male involvement , Iran
