Husbands' Knowledge of Obstetric Danger Signs, Attitude, and Involvement in the Maternity Continuum of Care in Rural Central Ethiopia: A Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study
TL;DR
Husbands' knowledge of obstetric danger signs and involvement in the maternity continuum of care in Hadiya zone remain low, and culturally appropriate health education about obstetric danger signs through proper media, and integrating partner communication skills into health education should be promoted to enhance husband involvement.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background and Aims Maternal mortality continues to be a critical public health problem in resource‐poor settings, despite the existence of effective interventions. In Ethiopia, the role of husbands in the maternity continuum of care is poorly understood, and challenges evidence‐based decision‐making. This study aims to assess husbands' knowledge, attitudes, and level of involvement in the maternity continuum of care. Method A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted using a multi‐stage random sampling technique. A total of 838 participants were included through systematic random sampling in rural communities of the Hadiya zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected via the KoBo tool and analyzed using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. Result In this study, a 99.4% response rate was reported. Overall, 39.4% of the participants demonstrated good knowledge of obstetric danger signs; 61.2% of respondents had a positive attitude, and 51.5% of the husbands showed good involvement in the maternity continuum of care. Educational status (AOR = 2.345, 95% CI 1.543, 3.563) and media access (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.922, 3.587) were significantly associated with husbands' knowledge. The husband‐reported wife's willingness to be accompanied (AOR = 2.1, CI 1.489, 2.979), and the health professionals' approach (AOR = 1.850, CI 1.354, 2.528) were significantly associated with husbands' attitudes. Having access to media (AOR = 4.077, CI 2.730, 6.089), open communication with a partner (AOR = 2.58, CI 1.303, 3.11), and knowledge of obstetric danger signs (AOR = 2.83, CI 1.958, 3.873) were significantly associated with husband involvement in the maternity continuum of care. Conclusion Husbands' knowledge of obstetric danger signs and involvement in the maternity continuum of care in Hadiya zone remain low. Culturally appropriate health education about obstetric danger signs through proper media, and integrating partner communication skills into health education should be promoted to enhance husband involvement.