Are Nigerian Husbands Ready for Spousal Labor Companionship? A Cross-sectional Survey in Ondo City, South-west Nigeria

Background: Despite recent attention on spousal labor companionship as a component of a positive childbirth experience, only a few studies have evaluated the issue from the male perspective. Aim: To evaluate husbands’ perceptions and practices of spousal labor companionship in Ondo city, South-west Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among 500 consenting husbands whose spouses had at least one previous delivery. Data were obtained from respondents via self-administered questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics as well as perceptions and practices of spousal labor companionship. Data analysis utilized Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26 and was summarized as means, standard deviations, and percentages before tabular presentation. Logistic regression analyses were applied for relationships between variables and to identify determinants of support for spousal labor companionship, with a P value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of 497 responses analyzed, 33% had practiced spousal labor companionship predominantly in private hospitals. In addition, 67% of practitioners expressed satisfaction with the experiences, and 49% of respondents supported a hospital policy promoting spousal labor companionship. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant association between higher educational status and support for the concept. Conclusion: Almost half of husbands in the study population are positively disposed toward spousal labor companionship, though only about a third have practiced it. Recommendations include increasing sensitization on the issue among healthcare professionals in hospitals, formulating policies promoting the practice, and providing individualized suites to facilitate privacy for couples.