FACTORS INFLUENCING MALE INVOLVEMENT IN ANTENATAL CARE AMONG CLIENTS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC: A CASE OF KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL, KENYA

Background: Male participation is a crucial component in the optimization of antenatal care services. Level of male participation has been found to be low. This study aimed to identify determinants of male partners? involvement in antenatal care services. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. The study population included expectant women and available male partners at the antenatal clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital. A sample of 79 respondents was recruited into the study. Consecutive sampling was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, analyzed using SPSS computer package version 20 and thereafter presented using descriptive methods. Findings: Majority of participants (90%) were aged above 25 years, were more educated and had non-formal sources of employment. They knew at least 50% of the services offered and had a positive attitude towards ANC. Majority of participants (54%) stated that ANC is traditionally for women. Majority (77%) stated that the members of staff at ANC clinic are friendly and approachable. Conclusions: Cultural beliefs and practices still hinder men?s participation as communities continue to uphold patriarchal tendencies that disregard women. Men?s attitude also determined their participation.