An Investigation into the Significance of Maternal Health in a Patriarchal Household

Introduction 

Maternal health is important to the health and wellbeing of children. Yargawa & Leonardi-Bee (2015) argue that m aternal health focuses on the health of the mother during pregnancy, birth, and finally, the postpartum timeframe. In matriarchal households, maternal health receives a huge focus. The situations are, however different in patriarchal households where the father is the head of the family. Given the importance of maternal health, this research looks into how important of an issue maternal health is in patriarchal households. 

Sample of participants 

Given that it employs an ethnography strategy, the sample size will be 50 participants. These are mothers and fathers in these patriarchal households. Specifically, 25 men and 25 women will participate. Preferably, they should be both married to get the exact opinions of people living under the same roof on issues of maternal health. 

Data collection method 

The ideal data collection method of choice interviews. The interviews will be semi-structured, meaning they will be both open-ended to ask direct questions, and close-ended to allow for honest and personalized answers. Observation will also be in use, directed especially to those in the maternal health stage. Records on from relevant government offices will be obtained. 

Research questions 

What is your understanding of maternal health? 

How important is it to you? 

What measures have you taken to enhance maternal health? 

What maternal health areas do you feel you need to improve? 

How can government agencies assist in improving the importance placed in maternal health? 

Research hypothesis 

In patriarchal households, more needs to be done to improve on maternal health because of the disconnect between the man and the woman, with the latter pacing higher importance. 

Reference 

Yargawa, J., & Leonardi-Bee, J. (2015). Male involvement and maternal health outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Epidemiol Community Health , 69 (6), 604-612.