Knowledge, role and perceptions of male partners on pre-eclampsia in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies.

BACKGROUND

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and a major cause of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE

This review synthesised evidence on how men engage with pre-eclampsia in the region.

DESIGN

This systematic review included qualitative designs and cross-sectional studies.

DATA SOURCES AND

METHODS

Search was done across five primary databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science). Additional searches were carried out in online sources like institutional repositories, HINARI, Dimensions AI and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2025. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework. Data were appraised using JBI tools and synthesised thematically.

RESULTS

Twelve studies from Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Mozambique were included. Knowledge of pre-eclampsia varied widely; that is, only 24.8% of men demonstrated high awareness, while misconceptions, such as attributing the condition to stress, cold or supernatural forces, were common. Men's roles spanned financial provision, decision-making, emotional and household support and information sharing, but overall involvement was moderate. Perceptions were shaped by cultural, social and spiritual narratives, while health system barriers such as unclear roles and exclusionary practices reduced engagement.

CONCLUSION

Male partners' knowledge, perceptions and roles significantly affect maternal outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings show the need for targeted education, culturally sensitive interventions and health system reforms that encourage male participation. Strengthening men's engagement could reduce delays in care-seeking, improve antenatal care utilisation and contribute to lowering maternal and neonatal mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework with the DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WHB93.