Contributor: drg. Zahroh Shaluhiyah, MPH., Ph.D.
Health development in Indonesia focused on maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR), including child malnutrition and stunting. The high rate of mortality and morbidity in pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, as well as the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding, are caused by the mother’s physical, psychological, educational, and occupational factors. It is important to note that empowering women without involving men in solving maternal and child health problems will not be effective. Male involvement in Maternity has not been optimal. Cultural barriers and husbands’ lack of knowledge and understanding in overcoming MCH problems made them not actively involved and committed to the program. Health promotion lecturers Faculty of PH Diponegoro Univesity have conducted research on male involvement in MCH in Central Java. The results shows that lack of knowledge and experiences, negative attitudes, low support from female relatives (, midwives, and religious leaders could be the major factors of low men’s involvement. The socio-contextual factors are essential in patriarchal societies such as Indonesia, where women may depend on their husbands’ decisions, which could be a potential determinant of their health.
