Forms and Variability of Men’s Involvement in Maternal and Child Health in Burkina Faso: Results of a Qualitative Study
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: In Burkina Faso, men’s involvement in maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) remains limited.
Objective: To identify forms of men’s involvement and their variability throughout the perinatal period based on the perceptions of stakeholders directly and indirectly involved in MNCH in Burkina Faso.
Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted from March to April 2022 in the Centre-West region using 11 semi-structured individual interviews and 9 focus group discussions, each involving 10 participants. Data were collected from 101 stakeholders, including 57 directly involved in MNCH (21 fathers, 20 mothers, 16 healthcare workers) and 44 indirectly involved (30 adolescents, 2 community-based health workers, 11 managers of pharmaceutical depots, 1 religious leader). Content analysis with open coding was performed.
Results: Three forms of men’s involvement were identified: modes of presence, financial support and resource management, decision-making and governance of care. These forms of involvement are shaped by socioeconomic and cultural factors (available resources, critical situations, masculinity norms) and varied across the perinatal stages (pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period).
Discussion and Conclusion: Men’s involvement in MNCH in Burkina Faso, although diverse and evolving, remains reactive rather than spontaneous, and is influenced by social, cultural, and contextual dynamics. Tailored interventions are needed to strengthen men’s involvement in MNCH.
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