Male Involvement as Companions of Choice during Labour and Childbirth in Nigeria

Lorretta Favour C. Ntoimo, Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua, Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation, University of Benin

Nigeria contributed 28.5% of the global maternal deaths in 2020 and 11.9% of neonatal deaths in 2022. One of the World Health Organization’s recommended interventions to reduce these deaths is a companion of choice (CoC) throughout labour and delivery. Nigeria has no CoC policy, but it is practiced in health facilities. We conducted qualitative research to explore experiences and perceptions of male involvement as CoC. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews and twelve focus group discussions were conducted with women and men who had recent births, and maternal health providers in Nigeria. Data were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach with the aid of Nvivo. Three broad themes emerged from the narratives: experiences of being a male CoC, benefits, and disadvantages. Experiences described included participation as a rule or optional, no prior preparation, and role mainly emotional support, among others. The benefits were compassion and empathy, postpartum support, curbing intimate partner violence(IPV), smooth delivery, and acceptance of family planning. The perceived disadvantages include IPV and postpartum sexual apathy. This study provides useful evidence to implement a policy on husband/partner involvement as a CoC during labour and childbirth in Nigeria as a strategy to improve maternal health and pregnancy outcomes and achieve fertility transition.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Health and Morbidity, Fertility, Families, Unions and Households

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