Publication:

Awareness and involvement of male spouse in various aspects of antenatal care: observation in a rural area of West Bengal

Background Involvement of male spouse in various aspects of antenatal care is understudied in West Bengal. The present study was conducted to know the involvement of male spouses in their wives’ antenatal care including awareness of different events and danger signs of pregnancy.

Methods A community based, observational, cross-sectional study was undertaken in randomly selected 8 villages of Amdanga block, North 24 parganas district. Total enumeration of women from the selected villages delivered within last 6 months was done; their husbands were identified and interviewed using a pre- designed, pre- tested schedule. Data on socio demographic characteristics, awareness of various aspects and danger signs of pregnancy were collected and analyzed with appropriate tests.

Results knowledge of the respondents regarding early registration of pregnancy, tetanus toxoid, routine blood investigations and referral transport system were 35%, 71.3%, 58.8% and 55% respectively. Awareness of danger signs were high regarding decreased foetal movement (85%), convulsion (81.3%) and unconsciousness (75%) but low in regards to excessive vomiting (16.3), paleness (21.3). 23.75% of respondents were not involved in their wives’ antenatal care. Their involvement was statistically significant for the first pregnancy of their wives compared to the subsequent one.

Conclusions Male spouse involvement in antenatal care may be one of the key to detect pregnancy related complications early and prompt referral.