DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy, especially the first (primigravida), brings significant physiological, psychological, and social changes. Effective antenatal care (ANC) reduces maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, improving maternal and child health.
Objective: To assess husbands' knowledge regarding antenatal care of primigravida women.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Lady Aitchison Hospital, Lahore, from December 2024 to March 2025. A total of 133 husbands were recruited using convenient sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, including demographics and the adopted Men's Knowledge of Antenatal Care Questionnaire. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.
Results: Among 133 participants, most were aged 31-40 years (49.6%), with 74.4% aged ≤40 years. Educational levels varied; 27.1% had Intermediate education, while 26.3% had Madrasa education. Nearly half (45.1%) worked in private jobs, and 54.9% lived in extended families. Large households were common (72.2%with>10members), and 54.1%had more than two earners. Monthly income was low, with 35.3% earning ≤25,000 PKR.Knowledge regarding ANC was generally poor, particularly on danger signs, vaccination, and dietary needs.
Conclusion: Husbands demonstrated limited knowledge of antenatal care, highlighting the need for targeted male-focused educational interventions to improve maternal health outcomes.