Abstract

Background: Male involvement in birth preparedness plan and complication readiness is a care and support provided by men during pregnancy, child birth and postpartum period for safe delivery by reducing three delays. This study aimed to determine social factors associated with husband involvement in Birth Preparedness Plan and Complication Readiness in Dang district, Nepal.
Methods: Community based cross-sectional study among 125 husbands whose wives was delivered within last 12 months between May-November 2016 was conducted in Dang district Nepal. Randomly 3 wards were selected out of 11 existing wards from Tulsipur Municipality; records regarding child birth within last 12 months in selected wards were reviewed from Rapti Zonal Hospital and by using snowball sampling respondents were selected from 8, 9 and 11 wards.
Results: The mean age was 23.28 ± 0.63. Among total, 57.6% respondents were involved in at least 5 components of Birth Preparedness. After adjustment couples who had love marriage were found 3.66 times more likely to involve (OR=3.66; CI=1.01-13.28, p=0.048). Husbands whose wives had formal education were more likely to involve (OR=11.92; CI=2.56-54.97, p=0.001). Similarly non-agricultural husbands were less likely to involve (OR=0.02, CI=0.01-0.44, p=0.013), likewise whose spouse were engaged in non-agriculture were 6.27 times more likely to involve (OR=6.27; CI=1.25-31.68, p=0.026). In addition who earned were more likely to involve (OR=140.78; CI=7.85-252.63, p=0.001).
Conclusion: Male Involvement was significantly higher among husbands having love marriage, non-agricultural work and who earned. It is also predisposed by spouse education and spouse occupation. This study concerns stakeholders should focus on strategic behavior communication program regarding reproductive health including birth preparedness plan.

Keywords: Husband; Birth; Pregnancy; Antenatal care; Postpartum; Women; Nepal