Men’s perception of barriers to women’s use and access of skilled pregnancy care in rural Nigeria: a qualitative study

Despite evidence that male involvement increases uptake of maternal and child services, studies show that few men are participating in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) programs in Nigeria. Men tend to have exclusive control of their household’s economic resources and are decision makers in all aspects of women’s reproductive health. The study indicates that male involvement is rooted in gender roles where men continue to be viewed as financial providers and decision makers. Nigeria is the second largest contributor to maternal mortality worldwide and has a birth rate of five children per woman