Males’ perception and involvement in preconception care in Indonesian primary care in Bantul region, Yogyakarta

A BSTRACT Background: Preconception care (PCC) aims to prevent morbidity and optimize the women’s health before pregnancy occurs. The success of the PCC would need a mutual involvement of both the women and their spouse. In Indonesia, males’ involvement in PCC is rare, and research on this subject is limited. This study aimed to explore men’s involvement and factors associated with men’s involvement in PCC in Bantul region, Yogyakarta. Methods: This study applied a cross-sectional survey from July to September 2024 at three primary health care centers in Bantul, involving 100 men aged >18 years of those bride-to-be or those planning for conception. The data were analyzed descriptively and sought for any correlation between their perception and involvement in PCC with the aid of SPSS. Results: The results revealed varying levels of males’ involvement in PCC, with 46% categorized as high, moderate (28%), and low (26%). Knowledge levels were a critical determinant, with men exhibiting higher knowledge showing greater involvement ( P < 0.05). Positive attitudes and effective spousal communication were also correlated with higher levels of engagement in PCC. Men’s challenges toward the invovelvement includes, time constraints, financial limitations, and cultural barriers. Conclusion: Males’ involvement in PCC programs in Bantul is relatively high; their knowledge, attitudes, and spousal communication are pivotal factors influencing engagement. Further research is needed to address the involvement challenges including cultural norms, financial constraints, and limited awareness through targeted educational campaigns and accessible healthcare services.