Scheduled couple consultations during pregnancy as a lever to increase male involvement in maternal health: results of a qualitative photovoice study in Mozambique.

Abstract

Background: Men in low- and middle-income countries often play a critical role in maternal health by increasing access to and utilization of maternal health services. This photovoice study examined the experiences of men and women with scheduled couple consultations during pregnancy, supported by social mobilization activities, as a lever to increase male involvement during pregnancy and childbirth.

Methods: The lived experiences with scheduled couple consultations were evaluated by collecting photovoice data from couples, conducting focus group discussions with health providers and in-depth interviews with women. Analysis was done by applying a thematic inductive approach.

Results: Data were collected from five couples using photovoice, nine health providers by conducting focus group discussions and nine single women by conducting individual in-depth interviews. Two overall themes arose during analysis of the data: health center experiences and community norms about pregnancy. Overall, the couple consultations had a positive effect on the interest of the male partner in pregnancy and childbirth, but deep-rooted gender norms around women's roles during pregnancy persisted.

Conclusions: Implementing scheduled couple consultations at health center level, supported by social mobilization activities, is a promising strategy for stimulating active participation of male partners in maternal health.