Evaluation of Male Involvement in Maternal Health Services in Yobe State

Male involvement in maternal health is increasingly recognised as a determinant of women's uptake of antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal services, particularly in contexts where husbands exert significant authority over healthcare decisions. This study evaluates the level and barriers to male involvement in maternal health services in Yobe State, focusing on Damaturu, Potiskum, and Geidam Local Government Areas. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with 220 married men accompanying partners to reproductive health clinics completing structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using frequency distributions, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Findings reveal that only 28% of men accompany partners to antenatal appointments, and male involvement in birth planning and postnatal care is similarly low. Work obligations, perceived lack of relevance, social norms discouraging men's presence in health facilities, and distance from services are the primary barriers. Men with higher educational attainment and those who received couples-oriented reproductive health information are significantly more likely to participate. Recommendations include development of male-friendly maternal health programmes, couples' antenatal education sessions, community engagement of male leaders as champions of maternal health, and flexible facility hours. This research contributes to gender and reproductive health literature in the North East geopolitical zone. Keywords: male involvement, maternal health, Yobe State, gender, reproductive health