Male Involvement in Women's Reproductive Health in Kenya: A Key Approach to Improving Uptake of Sexual and Reproductive Services by Women

Jackline Kivunaga, Population Council
Timothy Abuya, Population Council
Teresah Bange, Population Council
Richard Mutemwa, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
James Kimani, Population Council
Charlotte Warren, Population Council

Men’s involvement in uptake of sexual reproductive health (SRH) services by women is important. This study aimed to explore qualitatively, men's involvement and their partner’s experiences of SRH use in the context of integrating SRH/HIV services in public health facilities in Kenya. Study findings show that both married and unmarried men supported SRH services use as they perceived them beneficial to their partner’s health. The support offered by men was in form of finances, escorting them to the facilities where services are provided. However, they did not accompany them to the service provider due to long waiting times, which limits their participation in other economic activities. Men perceived use of SRH as women responsibility. Due to the social and economic roles men play, it is critical for men to be involved to enhance uptake of SRH services including maternal child health services.