Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

BRIDGING THE GAP: AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF MALE INVOLVEMENT IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AMONG MARRIED MEN IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Dorcas Adejumoke Adeniyi 1
Adetunmise Oluseyi Olajide 1
Grace Adeola Gbadeyan 1
Olufemi Yinyinola Makinde 1
Yetunde Omolola Oyedeji 1
Odunola Adeniran Ganiyat 1
Deborah Tolulope Esan 2
1 Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
2 Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
10.22038/jmrh.2026.85230.2573
Abstract
Background and aims: Male involvement in maternal and child health (MCH) is important for improving outcomes. This study aimed to assess awareness and perception of male involvement in MCH among married men in Ilorin, a west local government area of Kwara State.
Method: A cross-sectional descriptive design and a multistage sampling were used to select 463 respondents. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.858. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data at a 0.05 significance level.
Results: Most respondents (61.8%) were aged 40 years or younger, with a mean age of 36.8 ± 9.0 years. They were predominantly Yoruba speaking (74.9%) and Muslim (60.9%). A total of 75.4% demonstrated awareness of male involvement. Positive perceptions were held by 71.3% of respondents. Significant relationships were found between demographic factors and MCH awareness: age (p=0.001), tribe (p=0.001), educational status (p=0.001), and occupation (p=0.001) were all associated with awareness, while no significant association was found with religion (p=0.190). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was identified between awareness of male involvement and positive perceptions of MCH (p<0.001), suggesting that demographic factors, through their influence on awareness, also impact men's perception of male involvement in MCH.
Conclusion: Findings revealed high awareness and positive perceptions of male involvement in MCH. Awareness was significantly influenced by age, education, and culture, but not religion. The results highlight the need for health education and targeted interventions to boost male involvement.
Keywords
Awareness
Male Involvement
Maternal and Child Health and Perception
Subjects
Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 October 2026