Can Couple Focused Counselling Improve Outcomes for Newborns and Recently Delivered Women? Evidence from Rural India, 2019-21

Madhurima Sharma, International Institute for Population Sciences, India
Aparajita Chattopadhyay, International Institute for Population Sciences, India
Arup Jana, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Shireen J. Jejeebhoy, Aksha Centre for Equity and Wellbeing / International Institute for Population Sciences

Despite progress in maternal and newborn health, India may still face challenges in meeting health-related SDG goals. This study investigates whether comprehensive counselling to both women and their husbands (jointly or separately) improves maternal and newborn health outcomes compared to partial or no counselling received by either partner. Using the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) couple data, we analyzed 11,613 couples with recent births. Outcomes included low birth weight, postpartum care utilization, and contraceptive use. Comprehensive counselling covered pregnancy complications, institutional delivery, nutrition, and family planning. Logistic regression models assessed associations adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Findings suggest that couples receiving comprehensive counselling showed better outcomes than those with partial or no counselling. When both partners were counselled, the odds of low birth weight decreased (AOR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.52–0.68), postpartum care utilization increased (AOR: 4.23; 95% CI: 3.55–5.03), and contraceptive use improved (AOR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.45–1.92) compared to couples with partial or no comprehensive counselling. Counselling women alone was more effective than counselling only husbands, but counselling both partners yielded the best outcomes. While counselling women is crucial, involving husbands significantly enhances pregnancy related outcomes. Health systems should prioritize couple-focused counselling to optimize maternal and child health.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Population Policies

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