Socio-cultural Barriers and Strategies for Male Involvement in Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Nigeria accounts for about 28.3% of all global maternal deaths, with an estimated 8,200 women dying each year due to pregnancy-related causes. The maternal mortality ratio remains alarmingly high at 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births. Infant and under-five mortality are also deeply concerning, with 69 and 128 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. According to research, male engagement is critical to enhancing maternal and child health outcomes. Male engagement has been associated with greater prenatal care attendance, higher likelihood of competent birth attendance, more facility-based births, better postpartum care, early breastfeeding, and even reduced rates of maternal depression. However, there are still major barriers to male involvement. Methods: The study adopted a narrative review approach using PubMed and Google Scholar to gather information on men's engagement in mother and child health. Research works on male engagement in maternal and child health, contributing variables, and intervention strategies in Nigeria and other developing countries were included, whereas works that did not address the issue were omitted. Results: The review showed that several sociocultural factors affect male involvement. Predominant among them are patriarchal norms and traditional gender roles that relegate MCH responsibilities exclusively to women. Additional barriers include low health literacy among men, religious and community beliefs discouraging male presence in maternal health spaces, financial constraints, and inadequate facility-based support structures. Effective engagement strategies have also been recommended which include community-based education, peer-led outreach, mass media campaigns, workplace initiatives, and male-friendly health services. Conclusion: Male involvement is critical to achieving significant improvements in maternal and child health in Nigeria. Overcoming these socio-cultural barriers requires a reframe, which would require men to be involved as active stakeholders in reproductive health.