Sesotho Women's Preferences for Male Partner Involvement During Antenatal Care and Delivery

Male partner involvement (MPI) is recognised as an important strategy for improving maternal health, yet little is known about women's preferences for how men should participate in antenatal care (ANC) and childbirth. This study explored Sesotho-speaking women's preferences for MPI and identified the forms of involvement that they considered to be appropriate and beneficial using a concurrent mixed-methods design. A survey was conducted with 513 women who had children under six years, and eight focus group discussions were held with 64 women of reproductive age. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binomial logistic linear regression, while qualitative data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Survey findings revealed that 95.7% of women supported male attendance at ANC visits, while 78% favoured male presence during delivery. Support for MPI during delivery was associated with prior male attendance at ANC and previous birth, as well as older maternal age. Qualitative findings highlighted that women valued emotional and practical support and appreciated men's improved knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth. However, some women expressed concerns about privacy, cultural expectations, male anxiety, and potential verbal abuse. The combined findings reveal the complexity of women's perspectives on MPI, underscoring the importance of context-sensitive interventions that prioritise women's voices while promoting constructive male engagement in maternal health.