A study of male friendly approach in obstetrics and gynaecology outpatient department
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20170595Keywords:
Male friendly approach, Women’s healthAbstract
Background: Involvement of male relative in management of female reproductive disorders is low in many countries including India. Active participation of male relatives by establishing male friendly approach in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGY) outpatient department is a novel concept. This study explores the perceptions of male relatives accompanying the patients regarding male friendly approach which constitutes attitude of medical and paramedical staff towards them, involvement of male relatives in counseling and their role in decision making in obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department.
Methods: This prospective study was carried out over three months in Obstetrics-Gynecology outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Male relatives accompanying the patient were enrolled in the study. The participants were allowed to remain present at the time of history taking and post examination counseling. They were also asked to be part of the decision making whenever required. Feedback from the male relatives was obtained using a questionnaire.
Results: Out of 450 patients attending the OBGY Outpatient Department (OPD) during the three months study period 100 were accompanied by male relatives. Participation in decision making was the commonest reason for accompanying the patient (36%). All the male relatives involved in this study were satisfied with the approach of doctor and paramedical staff and 85% were willing to accompany their female relative at every visit.
Conclusions: Making health services for women more male friendly would increase participation of male relative in healthcare of female reproductive disorders. This can improve women’s health and eventually reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.References
Babalola S, Fatusi A. Determinants of use of maternal health services in Nigeria:looking beyond individual and household factors. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2009;9:43.
United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, editor. Fourth world conference on women. Beijing, China: United Nations; 1995.
United Nations Population Division, editor. International conference on population and development, Cairo, Egypt: United Nations. 1994.
Sternberg P, Hubley J. Evaluating men’s involvement as a strategy in sexual and reproductive health promotion. Health Promot Int. 2004;19(3):389-96.
Kamal IT. Field experiences in involving men in safe motherhood. Programming for male involvement in reproductive health. Report of the meeting of WHO Regional Advisers in Reproductive Health WHO/PAHO, September 2001. Washington DC USA: World Health Organisation; 2002:63-84.
Walston N. Challenges and opportunities for male involvement in reproductive health in Cambodia: USAID. 2005. Available from: http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/countryreports/MaleInvolv_Cam.pdf.
Greene M, Mehta M, Pulerwitz J, Wulf D, Mbankole A, Singh S. Involving men in reproductive health: Contributions to development. New York: UN Millenium Project; 2004. Available from http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/documents/Greene_et_al-final.pdf.
World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on health promotion interventions for maternal and newborn health. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2015. Available from: http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/health-promotion-interventions/en/.
Illiyasu Z, Abubakar IS, Galadanci HS, Aliyu MH. Birth preparedness, complication readiness and fathers’ participation in maternity care in a northern Nigerian community. Afr J Reprod Health. 2010;14(1):22.
Odimegwu C, Adewuyi A, Odebiyi T, Aina B, Adesina Y, Olatubara O, Eniola F. Men’s role in emergency obstetric care in Osun state of Nigeria. Afr J Reprod Health. 2005;9(3):59-71.
Anya SE, Hydara A, Jaiteh LE. Antenatal care in the Gambia: missed opportunity for information, education and communication. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2008;8:9.
Magoma M, Requejo J, Campbell OM, Cousens S, Filippi V. High ANC coverage and low skilled attendance in a rural Tanzanian district: a case for implementing a birth plan intervention. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2010;10:13.
Sundari TK. The untold story: how the health care systems in developing countries contribute to maternal mortality. International Journal Health Service. 1992;22(3):513-28.
