The Effect of Male Partner Involvement in ANC and IPTP-SP Uptake in Urban and Rural Areas of Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Globally, malaria
infection is a serious communicable infectious disease that is a threat to the
lives of half of world population. In regions where malaria is widespread, the
World Health Organization (WHO) advises that every pregnant woman should receive
a minimum of three doses of intermittent preventive treatment with Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
(IPTp-SP) to reduce the risk of malaria during pregnancy. This study examined
how male partner involvement like accompaniment to ANC, IPTp-SP awareness, and
encouragement/reminders affects optimal IPTp-SP uptake among pregnant women in
urban and rural of Benue State, Nigeria, comparing settings to inform targeted
interventions. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was
conducted among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in selected urban and
rural communities in Benue State using a multistage sampling technique. Data
analysis involved chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Spearman's
correlation (p ≤ 0.05 significance). Male involvement was higher in urban areas
(65.2% partner accompaniment to ANC) than rural (49.4%). Urban women whose
partners accompanied them to ANC (OR = 3.882, 95% CI: 2.561–5.885), were aware
of IPTp-SP (OR = 3.600, 95% CI: 2.374–5.458), or encouraged/reminded them (OR =
4.778, 95% CI: 1.718–13.298) had significantly higher odds of optimal uptake.
In rural areas, male partner awareness of IPTp-SP was significantly associated
with optimal uptake (OR = 1.534, 95% CI: 1.074–2.193). Targeted strategies in
rural communities, including community education, male partner engagement, and
improved access to antenatal care services, are essential to reduce disparities
and enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
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