Understanding male engagement in child health and nutrition in urban informal settlements: A formative participatory exploration
Medical Research Council
KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Improving child health requires primary prevention, quality health services and community action. Whilst there is recognition that the health system encompasses both the suppliers of policy, services, and interventions, and the communities and households intended to benefit from them; in health systems research the focus has primarily been on the supply-side with little attention given to the demand-side of this equation. Gender roles and relations play an important role in child health and nutritional status. In many sub-Saharan African (sSA) settings, childcare and health is primarily a female domain with men largely absent or only involved in perceived severe or serious cases. Similarly, intentionally or unintentionally, child health programmes in sSA countries predominantly focus on women. While women are perceived as responsible for children, paradoxically they must negotiate decision-making and resources with other family members, including men. By exclusively focusing on women without considering family dynamics or the broader social context, these programmes may inadvertently reinforce harmful gender divisions and practices related to child health and nutrition. Evidence suggests that programmes targeting women might be more effective if men's roles are considered and transformed to affirm more equitable gender relations. Furthermore, following treatment in the formal health system, ill or recovering children are 'discharged back' into their homes and communities. Without proper understanding of the intricacies and dynamics operating at the household and community levels, hospital-initiated interventions are likely to be less effective and sustainable. Focusing on user-centred perspectives and the demand-side of the health system, the proposed work seeks to answer if and how participatory approaches can strengthen male involvement in child health and nutrition for better outcomes.
8.1 Organisation and delivery of services / Research Grant