Partners’ Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Antenatal Care Services in the Denkyembour District in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Male partner involvement in antenatal care (ANC) remains limited in many rural settings, yet men’s perceptions and attitudes shape women’s access to care, household decision-making, and maternal health support. This study aimed to explore male partners’ perceptions and attitudes towards antenatal care services in the Denkyembour District of Ghana. This study reports the male-partner analytic strand of a larger qualitative case study on low male involvement in ANC in the Denkyembour District of Ghana. The study recruited 57 participants through purposive and snowball sampling. Fifteen male partners participated in individual semi-structured interviews, while 42 participants took part in focus group discussions, comprising 16 expectant mothers, six community leaders, and 20 healthcare providers. Data were generated over six weeks, audio-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, coded inductively, and analysed thematically with support from NVivo version 14. The findings showed uneven knowledge and awareness of ANC. Some male partners had no clear understanding of ANC, while others associated it only with routine activities such as weighing, injections, and general advice. A smaller group demonstrated rudimentary but accurate knowledge, while fewer participants understood ANC as a preventive service that supports early detection, monitoring, and protection of maternal and fetal health. Men with direct exposure to ANC services were the most informed and expressed more supportive attitudes towards participation. The study concludes that low male involvement in ANC in the Denkyembour District is closely linked to limited knowledge, weak exposure, and insufficient male-directed engagement. Targeted health education, community outreach, and male-inclusive ANC services are necessary for strengthening men’s support for pregnant women and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.