Male Participation in Reproductive Health Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa

A Scoping Review

Dados Bibliográficos

ID19544898
AutoresChigozie A Nkwonta (0000-0001-8642-4522, University of South Carolina), Nkwonta Nkwonta, Deanne K Hilfinger Messias (0000-0002-6137-0000, University of South Carolina), Messias Messias
Ano2019
Volume45
Páginas71
Data de publicação2019-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoInternational Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1944-0391 • E-ISSN: 1944-0405
EditoraGuttmacher Institute (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1363/45e8119
PMID31859670
OpenAlexW2996238479
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas15

CONTEXT: Despite improvements in reproductive health indicators among women living in Sub-Saharan Africa, the persistence of poor outcomes underscores the need to examine recent interventions to inform future research, programming and policy. Because men in this context have an outsize role in reproductive decision making, assessing their involvement in reproductive health programs is an important step in meeting men's needs, supporting women's health and improving family health. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to identify relevant literature and assess evidence of the impact of male involvement in reproductive health interventions. Seven databases were searched using terms related to male involvement and reproductive health; searches were limited to research conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa and published in English between 2007 and 2018. Remaining studies were assessed by participant characteristics, settings, research design, theoretical frameworks, outcome measures and findings. RESULTS: Searches identified 18 studies conducted in eight countries. Interventions engaged participants by using such strategies as community health workers, written invitation, peers, community or religious leaders and media campaigns. Results show that men are willing to participate in reproductive health programs and that their involvement is associated with increased uptake of family planning services, and HIV counseling and testing; reduction in risk behaviors; and improved maternal health and spousal communication. CONCLUSIONS: Given the findings that male involvement is positively associated with improved reproductive health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, health providers and program planners should consider including men in reproductive health interventions, when feasible

Environmental health · Family planning · Geography · Health facility · Health services · Population · Psychological intervention · Reproductive health · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Global Maternal and Child Health · Male Reproductive Health Studies · Medicine · Nursing · Gerontology