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Male involvement and maternal health outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis

Yargawa, Judith; Leonardi-Bee, Jo

Male involvement and maternal health outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis Thumbnail


Authors

Judith Yargawa

JO LEONARDI-BEE jo.leonardi-bee@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology



Abstract

Background: The developing world accounts for 99% of global maternal deaths. Men in developing countries are the chief decision-makers, determining women's access to maternal health services and influencing their health outcomes. At present, it is unclear whether involving men in maternal health can improve maternal outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of male involvement on maternal health outcomes of women in developing countries.

Methods: Four electronic databases and grey literature sources were searched (up to May 2013), together with reference lists of included studies. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed the quality of studies based on prespecified criteria. Measures of effects were pooled and random effect meta-analysis was conducted, where possible.

Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Male involvement was significantly associated with reduced odds of postpartum depression (OR=0.36, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.68 for male involvement during pregnancy; OR=0.34, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.62 for male involvement post partum), and also with improved utilisation of maternal health services (skilled birth attendance and postnatal care). Male involvement during pregnancy and at post partum appeared to have greater benefits than male involvement during delivery.

Conclusions: Male involvement is associated with improved maternal health outcomes in developing countries. Contrary to reports from developed countries, there was little evidence of positive impacts of husbands’ presence in delivery rooms. However, more rigorous studies are needed to improve this area's evidence base.

Citation

Yargawa, J., & Leonardi-Bee, J. (2015). Male involvement and maternal health outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 69(6), 604-612. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2014-204784

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 18, 2015
Online Publication Date Feb 19, 2015
Publication Date 2015-06
Deposit Date Aug 30, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Print ISSN 0143-005X
Electronic ISSN 1470-2738
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 69
Issue 6
Pages 604-612
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2014-204784
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/744755
Publisher URL http://jech.bmj.com/content/69/6/604

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