Abstract:
Back ground: Low utilization of skilled delivery care is one of the major factors contributing
to high maternal mortality and morbidity. In developing countries women’s poor status have
limited utilization of maternal health services. Although skilled care for pregnancy and
childbirth are the most important issues of reproductive health affected by male partners, how
male involvement affects maternal health care utilization is lacking in both developing and
developed countries.
Objective: the study aimed to assess magnitude and factors affecting male involvement and
skilled delivery utilization among married women who gave birth in last 12 months prior to the
survey in Mareka woreda.
Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was employed from March1-31, 2014 in
Mareka woreda. A total of 676 couples invited to the study using stratified simple random
sampling technique. Data was obtained from male partners and their spouses using structured,
interviewer administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS windows version 16.0.
Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Statistical significance were
declared at a value of p < 0.05. Ethical clearance was taken from Jimma University and
informed verbal consent was established with the participants before the interview.
Result: A total of 635 (96 from urban and 539 from rural) couples response were analyzed
making a response rate 94%. Skilled delivery care use and male involvement on skilled delivery
care on study area was 32.9% and 41.3% respectively. Women who used skilled birth
attendants in their recent delivery were educated [AOR=0.01(0.001-0.10)], knowledgeable on
danger sign [AOR= 3.44(1.34-8.79)], showed favorable attitude for skilled delivery care
[AOR=2.21(1.11-4.41)], and their husbands’ participated for skilled delivery [AOR=2.35(1.18-
4.66)]. And husbands’ participated on skilled delivery care utilization were educated [AOR
1.77(1.13- 2.50)], younger [AOR 1.77(1.19-2.62)], prefers health facility for delivery [AOR
1.85(1.24-2.75)] and have had positive perception on importance of skilled delivery care [AOR
1.68(1.13, 3.29)].ii
CONCLUSION: skilled delivery care utilization was low in study area compared to national
target. Couples education level, women’s knowledge and attitude towards skilled delivery care
were predicator for use of skilled attendant at birth. Although men, as partners, fathers,
husbands, policy makers and community leaders have a critical role in safeguarding the health
of women during pregnancy and child birth, low level of husband involvement was seen. Men’s
who were educated, young and positively perceive benefit of skilled delivery care demonstrated
a greater participation. Improving awareness on skilled delivery care and male involvement are
needed.
