Exploring Men’s Perception of Participating in the Natural Childbirth Process: A Qualitative Content Analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Male involvement in childbirth can enhance communication and strengthen family bonds. However, understanding men’s perceptions and preferences regarding this participation is limited. This study explores men’s perceptions of participating in the natural childbirth process. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted on 15 male participants, using face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews in Ahvaz health centers from June 2024 to November 2024. These men have had experience accompanying their wives in prenatal care. The sampling was purposive, and interviews continued until saturation was reached. The conventional content analysis framework of Granheim and Landman was also used to analyze the data manually. Results: Four main categories including “Weaknesses of men’s awareness of participation in childbirth”, “Men’s fear of participating in childbirth”, “Men’s willingness to learn and participate in childbirth” and “Strategies to improve men’s participation in childbirth” emerged, and we abstracted them in the theme “Willingness to participate in the aura of fears and weaknesses”. Conclusion: This study shows that lack of the participants’ awareness, and fear often prevents their participation. Increasing education and awareness of their roles during pregnancy and childbirth by building social networks and improving cultural programs is important to encourage men to participate in the birth process.