Perceptions and satisfaction among couples on male involvement during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Previous studies showed that male involvement during pregnancy could improve maternal and newborn outcomes. However, little is known about the perceptions and satisfaction of both men and women regarding male involvement during pregnancy. Comprehending various viewpoints could help to design tailored interventions for better male involvement. This study aims to survey the perception and satisfaction of both men and women with male involvement during pregnancy in China.

This cross-sectional study was carried out in Chengdu, China. A total of 1,357 couples were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire that assessed both men's and women's perception of male involvement in pregnancy-related activities, as well as their respective satisfaction with the male involvement in these activities. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, McNemar tests, and multiple stepwise regression analyses were employed to analyze the data.

Men reported higher involvement in pregnancy-related activities (9.67 ± 1.46) than women perceived (9.00 ± 1.74), with significant differences across all activities (p < 0.05). Similarly, men reported greater satisfaction with their involvement (46.80 ± 8.47) than women (43.90 ± 8.86). Regression analysis showed that the gravidity, ethnic group of men and women, the number of miscarriages, the place of residence of men, and education level of men were associated with men's perception of male involvement during pregnancy. In addition, the age of men, the place of residence of women, and ethnic group of men and women were found to be factors associated with women's perception of male involvement during pregnancy.

Men reported higher involvement and satisfaction than women perceived, revealing a perceptual gap. To address this, healthcare programs should encourage joint antenatal counseling, foster couple-centered communication, and provide community education, while training providers to facilitate constructive dialogue between men and women.