An examination of the factors associated with male partner attendance in antenatal care in India

BACKGROUND: A growing body of literature indicates that including male partners in antenatal care can be instrumental to improving women’s health service utilization and maternal and child health outcomes. Despite this, very few studies have documented overall trends in male partner attendance and what factors influence this involvement within the Indian context. In this study, we used nationally representative data to examine levels of male partner attendance in antenatal care and the factors associated with male partner attendance. METHODS: Data were used from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015-16. Weighted (probability weights) descriptive statistics were conducted to summarize the level of male partner attendance in antenatal care in India, and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the factors associated with male partner attendance in antenatal care. RESULTS: In 2015, of the women who had attended at least one antenatal care contact during their pregnancy, about 85% reported that their male partners had accompanied them to antenatal care contacts, with variations across regions. Level of education, household wealth, knowledge of pregnancy-related issues, men’s age at marriage, region, and women’s level of autonomy emerged as significant predictors of male partner attendance in antenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the multiple influences that shape male partners’ attendance in antenatal care. The findings underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach to programs and interventions aimed at encouraging male partner involvement; recognizing men both as individuals, as well as being situated within the family/household and community.