Knowledge of danger signs, pregnancy complications and associated factors among males in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality remains high in low-income countries. Men are major predictors of the frequency and quality of maternal healthcare especially in this part of the world and their support can significantly improve maternal health outcomes.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge of danger signs and complications of pregnancy as well as the associated factors among married men in Ogbomoso.

Methodology: It was a community-based cross-sectional study that involved multistage sampling technique to select study respondents in Ogbomoso town. It made use of a semi-structured questionnaires to obtain data from the respondents.

Results: Most of the respondents in this study were between 38 to 47 years of age (36.4%). The most common occupation indicated was Artisans/Traders (44.7%). Vaginal bleeding was the most recognized danger sign, with 72.5% of respondents recognizing it and it was found that the majority of respondents (97.6%) considered antenatal care to be important. The most common reason cited for the importance of antenatal care was for the safety of the mother and baby (82.8%). Only 48.5% of men reported accompanying their wives for their antenatal care appointments. 20.6% of the respondents decide wives’ attendance at antenatal care visits.

Conclusion: The current study's findings indicate that is inadequate knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy among men in Ogbomoso. Interventions to improve men's knowledge should be implemented to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.