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Men's Perception of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria

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Abstract

Innovative and effective options toward reducing maternal mortality rates in African nations must include the active participation of all stakeholders. This study was carried out to assess men's level of knowledge and attitude to preventing maternal deaths. In a cross-sectional, community-based survey complemented with exploratory in-depth interviews, data were collected from men from different socio-economic areas using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Mean age of the 316 respondents was 39.9 years (range 19–66). Nearly half (47.8%) knew someone who had died at childbirth. They blamed maternal deaths on healthcare workers not being skilled enough, financial barriers, failure to use family planning, emergency, antenatal, and delivery care services. Factors associated with knowledge and attitude to preventing maternal mortality are discussed. Healthcare reforms must be coupled with socio-economic improvements and efforts made to improve men's attitudes and knowledge in such a way as to make them active stakeholders, more supportive of preventing maternal mortality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Community Medicine, College of Medicine, UCH, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

    Taiwo O Lawoyin

Authors
  1. Taiwo O Lawoyin
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  2. Olusheyi O C Lawoyin
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  3. David A Adewole
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Taiwo O Lawoyin.

Additional information

In ground breaking research, the authors reveal ways in which men's attitudes affect women's perinatal care. This study from Ibadan, Nigeria differentiated men by social class, geographical location, age, education, religion, marital and parental status. Among many other findings we learn that half of the study participants thought abortion should be prohibited.

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Lawoyin, T., Lawoyin, O. & Adewole, D. Men's Perception of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria. J Public Health Pol 28, 299–318 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jphp.3200143

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