The mental health challenges faced by men regarding their spouse’s pregnancy in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Pregnancy is a transformative period not only for women but also for their spouses. While the mental health of expectant mothers has been extensively studied, the mental health challenges faced by their spouses during this period remain underexplored, particularly in the context of rural South Africa. This study explored the mental health challenges encountered by men regarding their spouse’s pregnancy in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province This study is qualitative, and an exploratory research design was employed. Participants were selected through non-probability purposive sampling and data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed through thematic data analysis. Also detailed are the measures to ensure trustworthiness and the ethical principles adhered to during the conducting of this study. The results of this study outlined the psychological and emotional issues that males undergo when their spouses become pregnant, especially in rural areas where these problems may be exacerbated by prevailing customs and a lack of mental health resources. Developing gender-sensitive mental health support networks for expectant fathers was the main objective of the recommendations, which also stressed the significance of including men in pre-natal counselling. The results, hence, have identified the need to challenge social conventions and advance greater understanding of male mental health practices; designing of policies, and interventions aimed at both men and women in the setting of pregnancy. In South Africa and other rural communities, this study may add to larger conversations about mental health treatment and gender equality.