Enhancing Maternal Health: Barriers to Male Involvement in Nigeria

Importance of Male Involvement in Antenatal Care

Male involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Research has shown that when fathers or male partners are engaged in the pregnancy process, it leads to better health outcomes for both mothers and infants. For instance, studies indicate that male participation can enhance birth preparedness, improve communication between partners, and contribute to positive maternal mental health (Olajide et al., 2025). Furthermore, active male involvement is associated with higher rates of facility-based deliveries and increased adherence to postnatal care recommendations, underscoring its significance in maternal health strategies (Moyo et al., 2024).

Despite these benefits, male engagement in maternal healthcare remains limited in Nigeria and many parts of Africa due to various societal and systemic barriers. Understanding these barriers is essential for developing effective interventions that promote male involvement in ANC and labor.

Key Barriers to Male Participation in Maternity Services

Cultural and Religious Influences on Male Engagement

Cultural norms often dictate that pregnancy and childbirth are women’s responsibilities, which can discourage male partners from participating in ANC. In many Nigerian communities, traditional beliefs reinforce the idea that a man’s role during pregnancy is primarily to provide financial support, while emotional and practical involvement is often seen as unnecessary or inappropriate (Olajide et al., 2025). These cultural perceptions can lead to feelings of stigma for men who wish to be more involved, as they may face criticism or ridicule from their peers.

Religious beliefs also play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward male involvement in maternal care. Some religious doctrines emphasize that childbirth is a private matter for women, further alienating men from the process. For example, Islamic teachings in certain communities discourage male presence during labor, which limits their support capabilities (Olajide et al., 2025).

Lack of Awareness and Education

A significant barrier to male involvement is the lack of awareness and education regarding the benefits of participation in maternal health. Many men and even healthcare providers may not fully understand the positive impact that their engagement can have on maternal and child health outcomes. This lack of knowledge can perpetuate the cycle of disengagement and inhibit efforts to promote male involvement in ANC (Olajide et al., 2025).

Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure

Healthcare infrastructure also significantly affects male participation in ANC. Many healthcare facilities in Nigeria are inadequately equipped to accommodate male partners during labor and delivery. The absence of private spaces for men can deter them from attending ANC visits, as they may feel uncomfortable in crowded or open environments (Olajide et al., 2025). Obstetric caregivers have reported that the lack of privacy in labor wards is a significant barrier to promoting male involvement.

Impact of Male Presence on Maternal and Birth Outcomes

The presence of male partners during ANC and labor has been shown to positively influence both maternal and neonatal outcomes. Obstetric caregivers in Nigeria have reported that when husbands are actively involved, there are noticeable improvements in maternal health, including reduced anxiety and stress levels among expectant mothers (Olajide et al., 2025). Studies have documented that male involvement leads to better birth preparedness, which can reduce complications during childbirth and improve overall health outcomes for mothers and babies (Mbadugha et al., 2024).

Moreover, men’s involvement can foster better communication and coordination of care, leading to more informed decisions regarding maternal health (Olajide et al., 2025). As such, integrating male partners into maternal healthcare is not only beneficial for family dynamics but is also a vital component of effective maternal health strategies.

Strategies to Promote Male Involvement in Maternal Health

Community Education and Awareness Campaigns

To address the barriers to male involvement in maternal healthcare, initiatives focused on community education and awareness are essential. These programs should aim to inform both men and women about the benefits of male participation in ANC and labor, challenging existing cultural norms. Community leaders and healthcare providers can collaborate to create educational campaigns that highlight successful case studies of male involvement, thereby encouraging others to participate actively (Olajide et al., 2025).

Policy Development and Healthcare System Changes

Integrating male-inclusive policies into maternal healthcare systems is crucial. This could involve creating guidelines that support male attendance during ANC and labor, as well as ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped to accommodate men. Policies should also promote training for healthcare providers on the importance of male involvement and strategies for encouraging it within their practice (Olajide et al., 2025).

Improving Healthcare Facilities

Enhancing the infrastructure of healthcare facilities to ensure privacy and comfort for both women and their partners can significantly improve male participation. Developing designated spaces for male partners during labor and delivery, along with providing adequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, can create a more supportive environment for male involvement (Olajide et al., 2025).

Conclusion

In conclusion, promoting male involvement in maternal health care is vital for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in Nigeria. The barriers to male participation, including cultural and religious influences, lack of awareness, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, must be addressed through targeted educational initiatives and policy changes. By fostering a supportive environment for male engagement, we can enhance family-centered maternity care and ultimately improve health outcomes for mothers and their infants.

FAQ

Why is male involvement important in maternal health?

Male involvement is crucial because it leads to better maternal and neonatal health outcomes, improved birth preparedness, and enhanced emotional support for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

What are the main barriers to male involvement in antenatal care in Nigeria?

The main barriers include cultural and religious norms that discourage male participation, lack of awareness regarding the benefits of involvement, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure that fails to accommodate men.

How can communities promote male involvement in maternal healthcare?

Communities can promote male involvement through educational campaigns that inform both men and women about the benefits of participation, as well as through policy development that encourages and facilitates male attendance at antenatal care visits.

What role do healthcare providers play in encouraging male involvement?

Healthcare providers can play a key role by educating families about the importance of male participation, creating a welcoming environment for male partners, and advocating for policies that support male involvement in maternal healthcare.

What improvements are needed in healthcare facilities to encourage male participation?

Healthcare facilities need to improve privacy and comfort for couples, ensure adequate WASH facilities for menstrual hygiene management, and create designated spaces for male partners during labor and delivery.

References

1. Olajide, A. A., Esan, D. T., Adeniyi, I. T., & Ramos, C. G. (2025). Obstetric Caregivers’ Perspectives on Barriers and Perceived Impacts of Male Involvement in Antenatal Care and Labour in Ekiti State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery. https://doi.org/10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.104532.2634

2. Mbadugha, C. J., Anetekhai, C. J., & Obiekwu, A. L. (2024). Male Partners’ Involvement in Antenatal Care and its Associated Factors in West-central Ethiopia. BMC Public Health

3. Moyo, E., Dzinamarira, T., & Moyo, P. (2024). Men’s involvement in maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review of enablers and barriers. Midwifery

4. Gopal, P., Fisher, D., & Seruwagi, G. (2024). Male involvement in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health: evaluating gaps between policy and practice in Uganda. Reproductive Health

5. August, F. P., Pembe, A. B., & Mpembeni, R. (2024). Community health workers can improve male involvement in maternal health: evidence from rural Tanzania. Global Health Action

6. Olajide, A. A., & Esan, D. T. (2025). A qualitative study of male involvement in maternal healthcare in Nigeria. International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery. https://doi.org/10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.104532.2634

7. Mbadugha, C. J., & Anetekhai, C. J. (2024). Male involvement in antenatal care: a systematic review of barriers and facilitators. Reproductive Health