Open AccessMeanings Assigned by Primary Care Professionals to Male Prenatal Care: A Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Bruna Sabrina de Almeida Sousa,
Camila Aparecida Pinheiro Landim Almeida,
Joseane Rodrigues dos Santos,
Eliana Campêlo Lago,
Jéssika Felix de Oliveira,
Tatiana Areas da Cruz,
Shirley Verônica Melo Almeida Lima,
E. Camargo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the open nursing journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.386
H-Index - 15
ISSN - 1874-4346
DOI - 10.2174/1874434602115010351
Subject(s) - prenatal care , qualitative research , nursing , health care , medicine , primary care , family medicine , psychology , population , sociology , environmental health , social science , economics , economic growth
Background: Considering recent strategies used in prenatal care, the involvement of fathers has been considered an important factor in ensuring that pregnancy and delivery are successful. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the meanings assigned by primary health care professionals to male prenatal care. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. A total of 19 interviews were conducted with primary health care professionals registered in the City Health Department of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the Collective Subject Discourse methodology. Results: Three themes emerged from the reports’ analysis: The importance of the role of fathers in the gestational process, attitudes of men toward male prenatal care and formal education and training in primary health care. Health practitioners understand the importance of male prenatal care but reported they lack proper training to provide effective care. Conclusion: The expansion of continuing education strategies focusing on male prenatal care and directed to primary health care professionals is recommended to promote greater adherence on the part of fathers in prenatal care, with the purpose of strengthening bonds and improving the care provided to the entire family. The humanized care can facilitate the approach of the paternal figure during male prenatal care.