title: Male involvement in reproductive health: a management perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study outlines the perceptions of participants on male involvement in reproductive health (RH) from a management perspective.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Namibia is one of the African countries affected by cultural and socio-economic influences that have persuaded gender roles in a way that hinders male-partner involvement in RH.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was followed. The target population included all male and female partners attending a health facility and all nurse managers (registered nurses in charge) that provided RH services in the health facility in a northern region in Namibia. Individual interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicate that the management principles, policy and legislation, as well as resources to facilitate male involvement in RH, were indicated as barriers for nurse managers to facilitate male involvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Male involvement in RH care is needed for an interpersonal and interactive partnership.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations are made to establish a partnership within the current health care framework in which reproductive health is provided.
authors: School of Nursing, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. kjooste@uwc.ac.za
authors: Karien
authors: K
authors: Jooste
authors: Hans Justus
authors: HJ
authors: Amukugo
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009276:Namibia; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015279:Organizational Culture; D036301:Qualitative Research; D060728:Reproductive Health; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration