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.