A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FAMILY SUPPORT TO WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINICS AT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR HOSPITALS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN.

Abstract

Background & Objectives:

Family support, husbands in particular are key to good maternal and child health indicators. The study aim is to assess the extent and contributing aspects of husband’s support to women during pregnancy attending antenatal clinics (ANC) of public or private sector hospitals. The main goal is to understand the social-demographic determinants of husband presence at ANC visit and compare family support dynamics between public and private hospitals.

Method:                    

The study was a descriptive cross-sectional conducted over four months, and included 400 pregnant women,15 to 49 years of age from Civil hospital (public) and Saifee hospital (private), Karachi. The research participants were identified using Purposive sampling techniques. A pre- tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data on socio-demographics, types of family support and husband involvement in ANC visits. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 24 using chi-square tests to check the associations between variables.

Results:

Many socio-demographic characteristics such as the women’s age, education level, husband’s income and gravida were significantly associated with association of husband’s presence during ANC visits. In general, husbands with higher educational levels and incomes were more likely to accompany wives. Husband Involvement women having ANC visits in private health center were reported higher involvement compared to those attending public hospitals. Higher support was also reported among younger women and those with higher educational attainment. Results suggest that a greater husband involvement is associated with improved maternal and child-health outcomes, higher compliance to medical advice, and in frequent ANC visits.

Conclusion:

For improvement in maternal and child health, support of husband is very much needed. This study underscores the importance of raising awareness campaigns aimed at husbands emphasizing their contribution to ANC. It also recommends further research across other healthcare settings to generalize the findings. The study highlights the need for an integrated model of maternal health care that combines family level support can lead out to better chances not only from health perspective but also in terms of infant mortality.

Keywords: Family support, maternal health, husband involvement, antenatal care, public and private hospitals and Karachi.