Abstract
BACKGROUND: Male involvement is crucial in spouse health care, especially during childbirth. Male involvement in maternal health has been linked to positive health outcomes for women and children as they control household resources and make significant decisions, which influence maternal health. Despite the important role they play in maternal health care, their actual involvement remains low in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the level of male involvement in maternal health care among women and their spouse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 336 participants (168 women, 168 husband) from two tertiary care hospitals at Rishikesh selected through convenient sampling technique. The data were gathered using a dichotomous questionnaire for male involvement. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The mean age of women is 24.62, husbands 24.16, and midwives 28.57 years. Most women and husbands were Hindus and reside in urban areas. 97% of women reported that their husbands were highly involved in maternal health care, particularly during the antenatal period. No significant association was found between the levels of male involvement in maternal health care among women. The level of male involvement, education, occupation, and income among husbands were found to have significant associations. CONCLUSION: Women stated that their husbands played a major role in providing maternal health care, especially during the antenatal period.