Men’s knowledge on danger signs of obstetric complications: The case of Musoma district, Mara region - Tanzania

Abstract

Studies have contributed to determine the status of women’s knowledge over the danger signs of obstetrics complications. But this study aimed at determining the status of knowledge and awareness of the danger signs of obstetric complications amongst men and to identify associated factors. A cross sectional study conducted in Musoma district in Mara region, where a total of 306 adult men whose female partners delivered a baby in the preceding year of the study were interviewed. Consecutive house to house survey was done to achieve study sample size. Logistic regression model was fitted to determine the association between knowledge of danger signs of obstetric complications against a set of possible determinants while controlling for confounding and clustering effect. This study revealed that 32% of men were found to have knowledge of danger signs of obstetric complications. In addition 45% of men who attending ANC clinic and received health talk were found to be knowledgeable than those who do not (p- value 0.044). The likelihood of knowledge of danger signs of obstetric complications increased two folds higher for men who accompanied their spouses to the post-natal clinics (OR 1.88, p- value 0.054). Men who were able to write and read were 50% higher the likelihood of having knowledge on danger signs of obstetric complications than those who were illiterate (OR 1.49, 95%, CI, p-value 0.004). There were no observed relations when knowledge of danger signs was compared with age of respondents, level of education, ability to read and write duration and types of relationship and preparations prior delivery. Thus there is need to expand investment in educating men, so that more men are informed of the correct information regarding danger signs of obstetric complications. That will improve on informed decisions which positively impact to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. However, this study recommends the use of media and particularly radio to expedite dissemination of educative messages to reach more men.