ISSN 2756-3332
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 001–008
DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000165
Original Research Article
Title: Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal care in Semi-Urban Zimbabwe: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5
Names of Authors: Fennie Mantula¹, Samkelisiwe Mpofu¹
Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe.
Abstract:
Male partner involvement in antenatal care (ANC) is critical for reducing maternal mortality, advancing gender equity, and improving maternal and child health outcomes, yet it remains low in many low-income settings. This study aimed to determine predictors of male partner involvement among women attending ANC services at a semi-urban clinic in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 184 systematically sampled women using structured researcher-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics. Associations between male involvement and independent variables were assessed using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test where expected cell counts were <5. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Overall, 44.6% of male partners accompanied their partners for ANC appointments. Significant predictors of male partner involvement were cohabitation with the partner (p = 0.02), male partner’s knowledge of ANC benefits (p < 0.001) and awareness of scheduled ANC contact dates (p < 0.001). Main barriers to participation were work commitments (63.6%), insufficient knowledge regarding the importance of ANC (41.8%), and long waiting times at ANC clinics (39.1%). The study concludes that male partner involvement in ANC demands targeted strategies that enhance men’s knowledge of ANC benefits and awareness of appointment dates, with particular focus on cohabiting couples. Collaboration among health systems, communities and work places through inclusive policies and community interventions could be used to engage men in ANC while removing barriers that hinder their higher participation. Future research should collect primary data from men to inform strategies that increase men's involvement in reproductive health services, thereby promoting family health and well-being and advancing gender equity in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Keywords: Male partner involvement; antenatal care; determinants; maternal mortality; gender equity; Gwanda District; Zimbabwe, sub-Saharan Africa.
Manuscript Timeline: Received April 20, 2026; Revised June 04, 2026; Accepted June 06, 2026; Published September 11, 2026.
Citation: Mantula, F., & Mpofu, S. (2026). Determinants of Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal care in Semi-Urban Zimbabwe: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 298–305. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000165