Men's participation in maternal and child health care in Western Uganda: perspectives from the community.

Background: Participation of men in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is crucial for the reduction of infant and maternal mortality. Men may be influential in making health care decisions that may affect their female partner's access to health care services, but also as individuals, whose health status has a significant impact on the health of their partners' and that of their children. However, male involvement is still inadequate due to various reasons.

Are health care facilities and programs in Western Uganda encouraging or discouraging men's participation in maternal and child health care?

Introduction: In patriarchal communities, men are in control of health care decisions of their families. As spouses, their health status impacts on the health of their partners and children as well. The participation of men in maternal and child health (MCH) is thus crucial for the reduction of infant and maternal mortality, as spouses and parents.