Abstract
Introduction: The significance of support during pregnancy cannot be overestimated, as it contributes to improved maternal health and birth outcomes. This study assessed the magnitude of partner support and its associated factors among women attending a tertiary antenatal clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 394 pregnant women were recruited using a two-stage mixed sampling technique. A 31-item questionnaire was administered to assess self-reported partner support. Scores were dichotomized as “inadequate” (<24.7) or “adequate” (≥24.7) partner support. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models to identify factors associated with partner support at a two-sided P<0.05.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 30.1±5.6 years, and 284 (72.1%) reported receiving adequate partner support during pregnancy. Most respondents were primiparous (194, 50.3%), practised Islam (217, 55.2%), were married (353, 92.2%), had a tertiary education (187, 48.2%), and were involved in trading and business (146, 38.1%). Being Christian (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.27-3.91) was the only factor significantly associated with adequate partner support during pregnancy. Women with tertiary education (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.00- 5.23; P=0.050) were more likely to receive adequate partner support, but this association was attenuated (OR: 1.8l; 95% CI: 0.19, 5.12; P=0.218) in the final multivariable-adjusted model that included both respondents’ and partners’ characteristics.
Conclusion: Culturally appropriate interventions that account for religious beliefs may help improve partner support during pregnancy and, in turn, maternal health and birth outcomes in this setting.