Men's Perception of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of public health policy 2007-01, Vol.28 (1), p.299
Main Authors: TO, Lawoyin, Lawoyin, O O, Adewole DA
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Economics
Family planning
Health care
Maternal mortality
Preventable deaths
Socioeconomics
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0197-5897
1745-655X