Male partner involvement in perinatal healthcare: A multiple method exploration in Sub-Saharan Africa and among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse families in Australia

The aim of this project was to describe male partners’ involvement in perinatal healthcare, among families in Sub-Saharan Africa and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities in Australia. A parallel mixed methods research design was used to complete four studies. The findings suggest that despite cultural barriers, across global settings male partners (from Ethiopian and African backgrounds) are influential in the perinatal period, and their involvement may be utilised to improve outcomes for women, children, and men. However, there are systematic cultural and healthcare system barriers which need to be overcome to achieve the potential benefits of engaging men.