Conclusion
Only half of the husbands showed optimal BPCR involvement, and it was
associated with the wife’s literacy, ANC in the first trimester, and
receiving adequate BPCR information. Although nine of 10 husbands
escorted their wives for ANC at least once, only about one-fourth of
them received adequate BPCR information, emphasising missed
opportunities for health education during ANC. To align with new
strategies under NUHM, ANM and ASHA need to involve husbands while
explaining the key danger signs and BPCR practices during ANC. Through
qualitative research, understanding community perceptions and practices
of the husband’s involvement in BPCR would help develop socio-culturally
contextualised strategies to improve the husband’s role in BPCR further.
Acknowledgement: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi,
India, supported this study under the Short-Term Studentship (ICMR-STS)
program awarded to RM (Reference ID: 2016-01390). The authors gratefully
acknowledge the support of the ICDS Office and Anganwadi workers,
Mangaluru, in data collection. We also thank the Urban Health Training
Centre staff, Department of Community Medicine, Yenepoya Medical
College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be) University, Mangaluru, for their help
in data collection.
Disclosure of interests: The authors have no conflicts of
interest to declare about this article. Completed disclosure of interest
forms is available to view online as supporting information.