Abstract:

Introduction: Male participation in child-bearing decisions is crucial and also has a positive impact on the acceptability of PMTCT interventions. Well-informed men will be more likely to participate positively in the decision making for the well-being of the couple

There are reasons of involving men in reproductive health which are: expanding the range of contraceptive options; supporting women’s contraceptive use preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS and to use the forum of reproductive health programs to promote gender equity and the transformation of men’s and women’s social roles

Statement of the problem: A study done in Magu district Shinyanga region in Tanzania has showed that Male involvement in pregnancy and antenatal care in Magu district is low. Barriers for male involvement included: traditional gender roles, lack of knowledge, perceived low accessibility to join antenatal care visits and previous negative experiences in health facilities. The data obtained at Reproductive Health clinic at Haydom Lutheran Hospital shows that the number of male attended for reproductive health services for the past six months i.e. January to June 2016 is 920 (18.7%), while the targeted population at this catchment area is 9798 per year and 4899 per six months. As per this data it is obvious that male attendance is low due to either inadequate education on the importance of attending RCHC. So this program is done for the purpose of keeping aware men and the whole community about the importance of their attendance to RCHC hence good number of clinic attendance.

Objectives: to increase the number of male involvement to RCH clinic services at Haydom Lutheran Hospital

Program Stake holders: Health officers of all levels, Leaders and staff (HLH), division, ward and village leaders, politicians, education officers who will be involved in the program

Implementation of the program: During program implementation health education was given to the community for five days with good attendance of 92 male and 420 female. Reasons for not attending to RCHS by men was obtained after interview to 20 men. The results was as follows: 12 (60%) men said that there was low attendance due to sociological factors such as believes, attitudes, communication between men and women followed by 4 (20%) who said it is due to lack of space to accommodate partners So it shows that believes, attitude and communication plays major part in the low attendance of men to RCHC.

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