Social Support Provided By Men to Their Spouse during Last Pregnancy

Background: Social support provided by men during pregnancy is critical in the promotion of maternal health and improving pregnancy outcomes. Few studies have reported the social support men provide during pregnancy, its influence on pregnancy and outcomes. This study investigated social support men provide to their spouses during pregnancy.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study utilized a proportionate sampling technique to select 220 mothers across 6 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) that provide antenatal care (ANC) services in Ibadan, Nigeria. A validated quantitative instrument with an 18-point knowledge scale on social support was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p=0.05.

Results: Respondents' mean age was 27.6±5.5 years. Over a third (36.8%) of the respondents were accompanied to the ANC clinic by their husbands. The majority (96.4%) of the respondents had good knowledge of social support (17.0±2.6). Almost all (98.6%) reported being made happy and given peace of mind by their husbands during pregnancy. Parity and family type were significantly related to social support men provide in helping to take care of other children and identifying the wife’s fears and worries, and subsequently offering encouragement, respectively.

Conclusion: Though men generally supported their wives during pregnancy, they were not directly involved in their antenatal care. A template can be developed by the government to include sessions where men can be taught ways they can support their spouses during pregnancy. This is important for positive pregnancy outcomes and a reduction in maternal mortality.