Cultural Barriers to Husband’s Involvement in Maternal Health in Indonesia Rural Area, A Qualitative Study

Syarifah Syarifah; Kintoko Rochadi; Tukiman Tukiman

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.7352

Authors

Syarifah Syarifah Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia; Centre for Gender and Child Study, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
Kintoko Rochadi Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
Tukiman Tukiman Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.7352

Keywords:

Maternal health, Husband involvement, Rural area, Cultural barrier, Indonesia

Abstract

Background

Maternal mortality represents the health condition of the mother during pregnancy. In developing countries, maternal health is often poor because pregnant women are not fully supported by their husbands. The problem is, husbands have cultural barriers to engage in activities that can provide space for pregnant women to be healthier.

Aim

This study was conducted to examine the husband's cultural barriers in the Toba Batak culture in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Methods

The research was conducted using a qualitative approach in rural areas. A total of 30 husbands were interviewed using FGD techniques, in addition to FGDs with health workers.

Results

This study reveals the root of cultural problems related to the husband's perception of men's and women's work, as well as the inherent traditions that make the husband distance himself from maternal health.

Conclusion

Cultural barriers of husband’s involvement in maternal health are very clear in Batak tribe. Efforts are needed to change cultural barrier by implementing a cultural approach.

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