4322.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 9:10 PM

Abstract #10105

Involving males in their partners' maternity care: Challenges of measurement

Emma Ottolenghi, MD, Ian Askew, PhD, Dale Huntington, PhD, Kristen Ruckstuhl, MA, and John Townsend, PhD. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, Population Council, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 280, Washington, DC 20008, 202-237-9419, EOttolenghi@pcdc.org

Objectives: 1. Discuss indicators of male participation in their partner's maternity care. 2. Present relevant data from surveys of antenatal clients and partners.

Abstract text: The Frontiers in Reproductive Health Project began in early 2000 two longitudinal studies comparing traditional female-centered maternity services with those involving couples. These studies seek to test models to: increase positive male participation in their partners’ antenatal and postpartum care; increase knowledge and use of appropriate contraceptive methods among clients and their partners six months postpartum, and increase primary and secondary prevention practices protective against sexually transmitted infections by men and women. Data will be collected from men and women pre-intervention and at six months postpartum. The interventions, implemented in public facilities in South Africa and India, include: 1. Counseling couples with behavior change materials during the woman’s antenatal care and at the six weeks postpartum visit. 2. Providing information and syndromic management to men on urethritis and to both men and women on genital ulcers; syndromic management includes partners’ presumptive treatment. 3. Strengthening ANC syphilis screening and management of positive cases. 4. Condom use education for providers and male and female clients. This presentation will highlight the development and testing of indicators for the measurement of male participation with data from South Africa and India.

Learning Objectives: Discuss indicators of male participation in their partners' maternity care. Present relevant data from surveys of antenatal clients and partners

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA