Assessing husbands’ knowledge and willingness regarding postpartum sexual resumption: a study of male partners in the Bongo District

Abstract

Background

Postpartum sexual activity is frequently resumed earlier than is recommended in low-resource settings, endangering the health of the mother. Postpartum decision-making is heavily impacted by partner-related and cultural factors, especially in rural and patriarchal environments. Research that has been published thus far has been focused on the perspectives of women, with little consideration given to the potential influence of male partners on postpartum sexual behavior.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of husbands regarding the effects of early sexual resumption after childbirth and their willingness to wait for their wives to feel ready to resume sexual activities in the Bongo District.

Methods

Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 92 male partners of young women through a closed-ended questionnaire, which included Likert-scale items measuring perceptions related to postpartum sexual health.

Results

Descriptive statistics revealed a moderate awareness of physical changes post-childbirth and a lower knowledge of common issues like hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, husbands exhibited a strong willingness to support their wives, with high scores for prioritizing their feelings about intimacy and emotional support. Regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between husbands’ knowledge levels and their attitudes toward sexual resumption, indicating a variance in attitudes.

Conclusion

This study’s findings highlighted the formulation of gender-sensitive postpartum policies that needed the involvement of male partners in postnatal education, fostering shared responsibility and mitigating early sexual resumption hazards.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24514-1.

Introduction

Men’s opinions on sex after a child’s birth differ significantly and are much influenced by their experiences as well as society’s views [1]. The negative attitudes of a partner could aggravate a woman’s sense of inadequacy during sexual contact [2]. Furthermore, sex between couples during this period will underline the importance of good communication; help to overcome fear about returning to sexual contact, and foster connection [3]. Practices aimed at scheduling couples to resume sexual contact throughout the transition into parenting are sometimes structured with greater constraints and recommendations from society, relationships, or health professionals. Often, for women, some research indicates many couples resume sexual activity sooner than advised by health professionals, which has physiological effects [4]. This supports a strong case made for couples regarding counseling and education about continuity with safe practices during the postpartum period, which requires the conjugal support theory.

Women experience significant alterations to intimate and sexual interactions [5]. Although maternal health care addresses numerous physical and mental transformations in women, it has been shown that many women report dissatisfaction in their relationships post-partum due to added responsibilities of caring for the baby, sleepless nights, individual and social pressures to protect their sexual health with their partners [5].

Many postpartum women lack understanding or guidance on their sexual health during pregnancy, especially on when to start having sex following birth [6]. Pregnancy, birth, and motherhood all greatly affect women’s postpartum sexual well-being [6]. This is because physiological, emotional, and social factors affect women’s sexual health after birth [7]. Physiological factors that can impact women long-term after childbirth include recovery from childbirth, hormonal changes, physical outcomes such as breastfeeding, and more [7]. Emotional and social factors are changes in body image and mood issues, as well as relationship changes, and changes in support systems [7].

One important and sometimes overlooked component of postpartum care is the start of sexual activity after childbirth [8, 9]. Once this is overlooked, it may result in issues of unplanned pregnancies, thus affecting the development of the newborn baby. This may also compromise birth spacing, thereby affecting the women’s health.

Looking at sexual function in women, studies have shown that post-partum satisfaction levels significantly differed from those levels during pregnancy [10]. Post-birth, women exhibited higher mean degrees of sexual pleasure; values during pregnancy differed significantly. The writers noted that post-birth sexual satisfaction was better; however, mean values for sexual desire, sexual arousal, and vaginal lubrication dropped. On the other hand, during the post-birth period, women reported having higher mean levels of orgasm [11]. Although the sexual function itself was somewhat similar between periods, all mentioned levels of sexual function were generally higher during pregnancy than post-birth. The author’s observations on the dynamic interrelations of variables of sexual health and well-being during the transition to motherhood generally inspired more studies on it to better grasp these changes.

Men’s opinions on sex after a child’s birth differ significantly and are much influenced by their experiences as well as society’s views. The negative attitudes of a partner could aggravate a woman’s sense of inadequacy during sexual contact [2]. Furthermore, sex between couples during this period will underline the importance of good communication, help to overcome fear about returning to sexual contact, and foster connection [3]. Practices aimed at scheduling couples to resume sexual contact throughout the transition into parenting are sometimes structured with greater constraints and recommendations from society, relationships, or health professionals. Often, for women, some research indicates many couples resume sexual activity sooner than advised by health professionals, which has physiological effects [4]. This supports a strong case made for couples regarding counseling and education about continuity with safe practices during the postpartum period, which requires the conjugal support theory.

For postpartum women, the consequences of strolling back to sexual engagement are complex and multifarious [11]. Resuming sexual relationships too early has been observed by researchers to have various particular negative physical and psychological consequences [12]. This is crucial in creating treatments meant to support postpartum women’s general health and well-being, as well as normal sexual functioning. All things considered, this is a significant field of study for the comeback of sexual activity following childbirth. Examining knowledge, attitudes, and practices of husbands in the Bongo district will help to contribute to the evidence-based guided interventions to better Healthcare for new families, health, and well-being, thus advancing the way we consider this vital area of postpartum care.

Though it is vital for the general quality of life, postpartum sexual health is usually disregarded by doctors. Women said they feel unprepared for postpartum sexual changes and get little coaching. According to Serrano and his colleagues, honest, nonjudgmental conversations on sexual health should be had by doctors and new mothers both during prenatal and postpartum appointments [13]. Inconsistent treatment, as well as the absence of clear rules for handling postpartum sexuality, helps to accentuate the stigma attached to the subject.

Postpartum symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s physical, mental, and sexual well-being. One of the most frequently referenced postpartum issues affecting sexual activity is dyspareunia, commonly referred to as painful intercourse. Numerous studies have revealed that postpartum women, particularly those who experienced perineal trauma during delivery, exhibited dyspraxia. Six months postpartum, women who experienced episiotomy or perineal lacerations reported higher incidences of sexual pain, as indicated by a quantitative study conducted by Rodaki and his friends [14]. Similarly, a comprehensive study by Opondo and his colleagues demonstrated that insufficient healing and perineal injury can extend pain duration, hence influencing the frequency of sexual activity and heightening anxiety regarding resuming sexual relations [15].

Apart from physical ability, contemporary recommendations and studies also encompass psychological and emotional preparedness as a basic factor. Common causes of lowered sexual desire are hormonal changes, postpartum depression, body image issues, and weariness. These problems should be discussed in postpartum visits by medical practitioners. The World Health Organization and numerous national health authorities have advised comprehensive postpartum treatment, including sexual health counseling, even if implementation varies greatly between healthcare systems [16].

Traditional ideas about postpartum sexual abstinence have been recorded in many civilizations, including those of Africa, Asia, and parts of Latin America [17]. These points of view are based on societal, religious, and cultural norms impacting postpartum activities and sexual behavior [18]. For many African nations, for instance, postpartum sexual abstinence is not just a personal goal but also a social norm routinely backed by elders and cultural organizations.

Popular knowledge is that the health of the mother, the child, and even the husband can suffer if sexual activity is started too soon after delivery. For some societies, for instance, having intercourse before the baby is weaned could cause malnutrition or diarrhea [19].

Postpartum abstinence is also associated in some customs with ideas of ceremonial purity and cleanliness [20]. Sometimes women are considered “impure,” hence having sex is not advised until following specific ceremonies or cleansing rites following delivery [21]. These concepts protect mothers’ health and child welfare in settings where access to modern healthcare is limited, therefore fulfilling both symbolic and practical purposes.

People’s willingness and capacity to keep sexual contact have been found to often be influenced by emotional readiness, body image problems, anxiety, and fear of pain or re-injury [22, 23]. These components are especially clear among people healing from events that change their physical or psychological state, since sexual functioning is not just a physical activity but is also closely related to mental and emotional wellness.

Important components influencing either support or hindrance of sexual resuming are partner communication and emotional connection. Studies reveal that couples who have honest and caring communication about their needs, wishes, and fears are more likely to have good results when it comes to choosing backup sexual activity [24]. On the other hand, bad communication can lead to emotional distance and worry, therefore aggravating the difficulty or length of the process. When a partner provides emotional support, the relationships between higher sexual satisfaction and less psychological stress expose the link between relational dynamics and sexual recovery [6].

Moreover, influencing sexual resumption are societal and cultural standards. Sometimes people feel great pressure to resume sex at the “appropriate” time and form, which can intensify feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or failure should expectations not be satisfied [25]. Given rising social criticism of sexual activity following illness or pregnancy, women could be particularly affected by these conventions. Therefore, addressing sexual recovery in research and therapeutic practice completely depends on a culturally sensitive approach.

Male perspectives on postpartum sexual resuming have received quite little scholarly attention; most studies on the subject concentrate on the experiences and health effects of women [26–28]. Research on how men think and feel about having sex once again after giving birth has started, as a lack of honest discussions on postpartum sexuality has caused men to feel dissatisfied or emotionally detached [1, 29–31].

Significant physiological, psychological, and social changes that follow childbirth [16] affect a couple’s relationship, especially their sex life especially in terms of Though it is one of the least spoken about elements of postnatal care, sexual health is vital for general wellness. Among the several factors influencing the complex and global topic of resuming sexual activity after childbirth are mother recovery, cultural norms, religious beliefs, relationship dynamics, access to health education following childbirth, and cultural, social, and medical factors [32, 33].

According to a Nigerian survey, 67% of women started having sex on average eight weeks after giving birth; 77% of them said their husbands’ request was the main reason. Similarly, research done in Ethiopia revealed that thirty-6.6% of women began having sex once more six weeks following childbirth [32]. Once more, 105 (21.6%) of postpartum women who visited a postnatal clinic at a National Referral Hospital in Uganda answered a cross-sectional survey and stated having sex once more before six weeks following delivery [34].

Early resuming of sexual activity after childbirth (before six weeks postpartum) was linked with the education level, occupation, and parity of the participants as well as the spouse’s education level, baby age, and use of family planning [34]. Even if respondents in a descriptive-qualitative study of new fathers needed support to be comfortable in their new family environment, the results revealed that respondents were ready to wait for both partners to be ready before having sex. Unlike the preconception of male sexuality, the fathers’ opinions on sexual life included all kinds of intimacy and interaction [1].

Two significant reasons include poor postpartum counseling and limited access to contraception. Moreover, the necessity of proximity and maintaining marriage harmony could come first than health concerns. This tendency has important consequences for mental stress, unexpected pregnancies, and infections, among other things. Among the several approaches required to solve this issue are enhancing healthcare education, promoting gender equality, and increasing access to family planning resources. This study sought to investigate the impact of the return of sexual behaviors after childbirth on the spouses of young women in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region.

The problem of early sexual resumption after childbirth in Bongo District is urgent and timely since trends in birth are changing among young mothers in their first few years of marriage, and worrying consequences are emerging. Along with maternal health issues and marital conflict, there are also unwanted repeat pregnancies and delayed recovery postpartum, certainly aggravated by having sexual contact before medically suggested time frames. These outcomes don’t happen in a vacuum; it’s because of structural gender norms and a glaring absence of male involvement in maternal health education. This creates a circumstance whereby women often resume sexual activity early after having a baby, not necessarily because of a lack of knowledge about postpartum sexual abstinence or because of their partner’s pressure, but rather because of an absence of published frameworks regarding guidelines on postpartum care. This behavioral pattern suggests a critical gap exists, specifically the absence of research looking at male partners’ perspectives and their impact on these decisions. Therefore, this research is important because it will examine how the beliefs and expectations of husbands of young women in Bongo District affect the timing of sexual resumption, eventually leading to the creation of culturally sensitive, gender-inclusive postpartum care policies recommending optimal health-seeking behaviors associated with reproductive outcomes and the health of the family as a whole. Available literature demonstrates that while there are many studies about women’s postpartum sexual experiences [5]. There is a considerable gap in the literature regarding male partners or husbands. The absence of documentation is troubling because male partners are often an essential part of the dynamics of sexual relationships postpartum, and that must be taken into account by researchers. As a result, this research aims to explore the influence of resuming sexual relationships after childbirth on the husbands of young women in the Bongo District in the Upper East region. The examination of these relationships is important to encourage healthy sexual relationships to address the sexual needs of both partners during the transition into parenthood, in and after pregnancy, and to assist in the recovery process.

The objectives of this study were to:

1. Assess the knowledge level of husbands regarding the effects of early sexual resumption after childbirth in the Bongo district.

2. Find out the level of husbands’ willingness to wait for their wives to feel ready to resume sexual activities after childbirth.

3. Ascertain whether there is a significant relationship between husbands’ knowledge level of postpartum sexual health and their willingness to wait for their wives to feel ready to resume sexual activities.

Methods

Study design

This study will employ a cross-sectional design, which allows for the assessment of husbands’ knowledge and willingness regarding postpartum sexual resumption at a single point in time. This design is suitable for exploring the correlations between various demographic factors and attitudes toward postpartum sexual health.

Setting

The study will be conducted in the Bongo District, which is located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This area is characterized by a mix of urban and rural populations, providing a diverse setting for exploring attitudes and knowledge regarding postpartum sexual health.

Study population

Inclusion criteria

Age: Male partners aged 18 years and older.

Relationship Status: Currently married or in a stable partnership with a woman who has recently given birth (within the last 12 months).

Residency: Residing in the Bongo District for at least the past 6 months.

Informed consent Willingness to provide informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Non-partners: Males who are not in a relationship with a woman who has recently given birth.

Age: Males under 18 years of age.

Severe Cognitive Impairment: Individuals unable to understand the study's purpose or provide informed consent.

Non-residents: Those not residing in the Bongo District for the specified duration.

Sample: A sample size of approximately 92 male partners was targeted to ensure sufficient power to detect significant differences and associations. This size is based on preliminary studies and the estimated prevalence of knowledge and willingness regarding postpartum sexual resumption.

Sampling approach

A multistage sampling approach was adopted:

Stage 1: Selection of communities within the Bongo District using simple random sampling.

Stage 2: Selection of households within the chosen communities, targeting households that have welcomed a newborn within the past year.

Stage 3: Random selection of male partners within the identified households.

Recruitment was facilitated through community health workers and local health facilities. Awareness campaigns were conducted to inform potential participants about the study. Interested individuals were approached directly, and informed consent was obtained before participation.

Data collection process

Demographic information (age, education, occupation, etc.)

Knowledge assessment (multiple-choice questions regarding postpartum sexual health).

Attitude and willingness assessment (Likert scale questions regarding their feelings towards resuming sexual activity postpartum).

A pilot study was carried out with a small sample of individuals to ascertain the clarity of the questionnaire, and the instrument's reliability data were computed at 0.87 using Cronbach's alpha. The validity of information was established through expert review and with the assistance of feedback from professionals. The present methodology illustrated a structured approach to explore male partners'perceptions of resuming sexual activity after the birth of a child, specifically focusing on the effect of demographic information.

Data analysis

Frequencies, means, and standard deviations were calculated for demographic variables, knowledge scores, and willingness. Simple linear regression was used to explore or describe the relationships between demographic variables and perceptions of the resumption of sexual activity. Before the data collection, informed consent was acquired from all participants.

Results

Demographic information of respondents

This aspect of the results captures information relating to the respondents’ age groups, religious denomination, educational level, occupation, years and type of marriage, and number of children. Interpreting the research results in the context of this demographic information helps us to identify how each of these demographics significantly influences the responses provided by the respondents.

Table 1 presented the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents in the study. The age distribution of respondents reveals considerable disparities in perceptions of resuming sexual activity after motherhood. Among the responders, 80 are Christians, 10 Muslims, and 2 follow traditional religions. Among the respondents, 2 have no formal education, 1 has completed primary education, 5 have secondary education, and a significant majority, 84, have attained tertiary education. Among the respondents, 5 are unemployed, 14 are students, 23 are self-employed, 43 are employed in the government sector, and 7 work in the private owned businesses.

Table 1.

Socio-demographic data of respondents

Variables	Frequency	Percentage (%)
Age (in years)
Below 20	1	1.1
20–29	14	15.2
30–39	67	72.8
40–49	8	8.7
Above 50	2	2.2
Religion
Christianity	80	86.9
Islam	10	10.9
Traditional	2	2.2
Level of education
No formal education	2	2.2
Primary education	1	1.1
Secondary education	5	5.4
Tertiary education	84	91.3
Occupation
Unemployed	5	5.5
Student	14	15.2
Self-employed	23	25.0
Government employed	43	46.7
Private sector employed	7	7.6
Number of years in marriage
Less than 1 year	14	15.2
1–5 years	50	54.3
6–10 years	26	28.3
11–15 years	2	2.2
Type of Marriage
Monogamous marriage	31	33.7
Polygamous marriage	9	9.8
Legal marriage	15	16.3
Customary marriage	4	4.3
Religious marriage	33	35.9
Number of children
No child	12	13.0
1–2 children	55	59.8
3–4 children	24	26.1
5 and above	1	1.1

Objective one: to assess the knowledge level of husbands regarding the effects of early sexual resumption after childbirth in the Bongo District

The results, summarized as seen in Table 2, provide an assessment of husbands' knowledge levels regarding postpartum sexual health in the Bongo district. The data, collected on a 4-point Likert scale, reveal varied levels of understanding among respondents about key aspects of postpartum sexual health. Overall, respondents demonstrated a moderate awareness of the physical changes in their wives' bodies after childbirth, with a mean score of 3.11 (SD = 0.654), indicating a general recognition of these changes. However, the knowledge of specific issues such as hormonal fluctuations affecting sexual health scored lower, with a mean of 2.86 (SD = 0.750), suggesting that many husbands may not fully comprehend the complexities of postpartum sexual health. Statements regarding the importance of communication and support for recovery received favorable ratings (M = 3.01 and M = 3.30, respectively), reflecting a positive attitude towards maintaining intimate relationships. Conversely, awareness of common postpartum sexual health issues, such as pain during intercourse, was notably low (M = 2.53, SD = 0.988), indicating significant gaps in knowledge. By using the empirical rule (68-95-99.7), it can be suggested that the majority of responses cluster around the mean, with most scores falling within one standard deviation, highlighting a consensus among husbands regarding some aspects of postpartum sexual health, while also revealing critical areas for education and support. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance husbands'understanding of postpartum sexual health and its implications for their relationships.

Table 2.

Assessment of husbands’ knowledge levels about postpartum sexual health

S/no	Statements	Min	Max	M	SD	SK
1	I understand that physical changes can occur in my wife’s body after childbirth.	1.00	4.00	3.11	0.654	− 0.595
2	I am aware that it may take time for my wife to regain her sexual desire postpartum.	1.00	4.00	2.79	0.884	− 0.556
3	I know that hormonal fluctuations can affect my wife’s sexual health after giving birth.	1.00	4.00	2.86	0.750	− 0.561
4	I believe that communication about sexual health is important for my relationship after childbirth.	1.00	4.00	3.01	0.655	− 0.492
5	I understand that postpartum sexual activity may need to be delayed for medical reasons.	1.00	4.00	3.11	0.654	− 0.595
6	I am informed about common postpartum sexual health issues, such as pain or discomfort during intercourse.	1.00	4.00	2.53	0.988	− 0.058
7	I know that my support can positively influence my wife’s recovery of her sexual health.	1.00	4.00	3.30	0.659	− 0.890
8	I understand the importance of consulting a healthcare professional regarding postpartum sexual health concerns.	1.00	4.00	2.97	0.748	− 0.591
9	I believe that postpartum mental health can impact my wife’s sexual health.	1.00	4.00	3.10	0.612	− 0.641
10	I am aware that breastfeeding can affect libido and sexual function.	1.00	4.00	2.75	0.807	− 0.537
11	I know that it is normal for couples to experience changes in their sexual relationship after having a baby.	1.00	4.00	3.03	0.718	− 0.959
12	I understand that both physical and emotional intimacy are important for our relationship during the postpartum period.	1.00	4.00	3.24	0.652	− 0.528

N Sample, Min Minimum, Max Maximum M Mean, SD Standard deviation, SK Skewness

Objective two: to find out the level of husbands' willingness to wait for their wives to feel ready to resume sexual activities after childbirth

The objective of this study was to evaluate husbands' willingness to wait for their wives to feel ready to resume sexual activities after childbirth, focusing on their understanding, support, and prioritization of their wives' emotional and physical comfort during the postpartum recovery period. Descriptive statistics were computed for various dimensions related to husbands' attitudes and behaviors, based on a sample of 92 respondents. The findings revealed generally positive inclinations among husbands toward supporting their wives during this critical time. The dimension of understanding, with a mean score of 4.10 (SD = 0.90), indicates that husbands generally possess a moderate to high awareness of their wives' needs. This understanding is complemented by a strong level of support, reflected in a mean score of 4.17 (SD = 0.74). Husbands demonstrated a significant commitment to navigating the complexities of postpartum recovery. Moreover, husbands exhibited a high prioritization of their wives'emotional and physical comfort, with a mean score of 4.61 (SD = 0.47). This finding underscores their willingness to wait until their wives feel ready to resume sexual activities, which is crucial for fostering a healthy and supportive relationship during the postpartum period. Emotional awareness among husbands was also notable, with a mean score of 4.21 (SD = 0.70), suggesting that they recognize the emotional challenges their wives may face after childbirth. In terms of physical support, husbands scored an average of 4.15 (SD = 0.63), indicating their active involvement in assisting in recovery. Effective communication regarding intimate needs and concerns received a mean score of 4.24 (SD = 0.63), highlighting the importance of open dialogue between partners. Flexibility in their approach to intimacy was also a key finding, with a mean score of 4.20 (SD = 0.60), suggesting that husbands are accommodating to their wives'needs. Satisfaction with intimacy was rated at a mean of 4.16 (SD = 0.73), indicating that both partners found a satisfactory balance in their intimate relationship. Commitment to supporting their wives during this period scored a mean of 4.15 (SD = 0.63), further reinforcing the positive attitudes observed among husbands. In summary, the results of this study indicate that husbands are generally supportive and understanding, prioritizing their wives'emotional and physical comfort during the postpartum recovery period. Their willingness to wait for their wives to feel ready to engage in sexual activities is essential for promoting healthy relationships and ensuring a positive transition into parenthood (Table 3).

Table 3.

Evaluation of husbands’ willingness to wait for their wives to feel ready for resumption of sexual activities after childbirth

Statement		Min	Max	M	SD
1	I am willing to wait as long as my wife needs to feel comfortable resuming sexual activity.	2.00	5.00	4.10	0.90
2	I believe it is important to prioritize my wife’s feelings about postpartum intimacy.	2.00	5.00	4.17	0.74
3	I would rather wait than pressure my wife to resume sexual activities before she is ready.	2.00	5.00	4.15	0.71
4	I understand that postpartum recovery can take time and may affect our sex life.	1.00	5.00	4.21	0.70
5	I feel patient about waiting for my wife to express her readiness for sexual intimacy.	2.00	5.00	4.21	0.72
6	I am willing to wait until after 6 months before resuming sexual activity with my wife postpartum.	2.00	5.00	4.15	0.69
7	I am prepared to support my wife emotionally during her postpartum recovery, even if it takes a while.	2.00	5.00	4.24	0.65
8	I believe that waiting for my wife’s readiness can strengthen our relationship.	3.00	5.00	4.20	0.60
9	I would feel comfortable if it takes several months for my wife to feel ready to resume sexual activities	1.00	5.00	3.28	1.31
10	I will be faithful and not engage in multiple sex partners, even if I have to wait until after six months before resuming sexual activities with my wife	2.00	5.00	3.84	0.96

N sample, Min Minimum, Max Maximum, M Mean, SD standard deviation

Null hypothesis (H0): there is no significant relationship between husbands' knowledge level of postpartum sexual health and their attitudes toward postpartum sexual resumption

The information as seen in Table 4 supports the claim of a significant relationship between a husband’s knowledge level of postpartum sexual health and a husband’s attitudes regarding resuming sexual activity (R =.59). The effect size for the R squared F change in the model is.35, therefore, knowledge level explains about 35% of the variation in attitudes. The F change statistic is 47.9 (1, 90 degrees of freedom, p = 0.00); therefore, a relationship exists, and this relationship is statistically significant. In support of the alternative hypothesis, husbands’ attitudes toward sexual resumption became more favorable as their knowledge of postpartum sexual health increased.

Table 4.

Analysis of the relationship between husbands’ knowledge level of postpartum sexual health and their attitudes toward sexual resumption

R		Std. Error	F Change	df1	df2	P value
.59a	0.35	0.30	47.9	1	90	0.00

Table 5 shows the regression analysis coefficients between the knowledge level of sexual health and attitudes toward postpartum sexual resumption. The unstandardized coefficient for knowledge is.600; thus, as knowledge increases by one unit, attitudes toward sexual resumption increase by.600 units, holding other factors constant. The standardized coefficient (Beta) was.589, indicating a large effect size. The t-value is 6.918, and the p-value is.000, affirming that the knowledge level is significantly predicting attitudes. These results suggest that increasing husbands’ knowledge of postpartum sexual health may improve their attitudes toward resuming sexual activity.

Table 5.

Regression analysis coefficients for the relationship between knowledge level of sexual health and attitudes toward postpartum sexual resumption

Coefficients
Model		Unstandardized Coefficients		Standardized Coefficients	t	Sig.
		B	Std. Error	Beta
1	(Constant)	0.976	0.261		3.745	0.000
	Knowledge	0.600	0.087	0.589	6.918	0.000
a. Dependent Variable: ATTITUDES

Discussion

Knowledge level of husbands regarding the effects of early sexual resumption after childbirth in the Bongo District

The results, summarized as seen in Table 2, provide an assessment of husbands'knowledge levels regarding postpartum sexual health in the Bongo district. The data, collected on a 4-point Likert scale, reveal varied levels of understanding among respondents about key aspects of postpartum sexual health, with means ranging from 2.53-3.30. The respondents demonstrated a moderate awareness of the physical changes in their wives'bodies after childbirth, with a mean score of 3.11 (SD = 0.654). The results revealed knowledge of specific issues, such as hormonal fluctuations affecting sexual health, scored lower, with a mean of 2.86 (SD = 0.750). Statements regarding the importance of communication and support for recovery received favorable ratings (M = 3.01 and M = 3.30, respectively). Conversely, awareness of common postpartum sexual health issues, such as pain during intercourse, was notably low (M = 2.53, SD = 0.988).

This finding is in tandem with a study conducted in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, where sexual health awareness was not specifically measured in their study. Poor postnatal engagement points to a lack of knowledge of postpartum difficulties, which is indirectly consistent with the idea that spouses of young women have little awareness of these issues, such as dyspareunia [35]. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance husbands'understanding of postpartum sexual health and its implications for their relationships.

Husbands' willingness to wait for their wives to feel ready to resume sexual activities after childbirth

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not men are willing to wait for their wives to feel ready to resume sexual activities after giving birth. The study focused on the husbands' understanding, support, and priority of their wives' emotional and physical comfort throughout the postpartum recovery period. The results of the study, which are presented in Table 3, showed that husbands have generally positive tendencies toward supporting their spouses at this crucial time. The average score was 4.17, with a standard deviation of 0.74, which indicates that this comprehension is accompanied by a substantial amount of support. Furthermore, husbands demonstrated a high level of prioritization of their wives' emotional and physical comfort, with a mean score of 4.61 (SD = 0.47). Additionally, it was noteworthy that spouses had a mean score of 4.21 (SD = 0.70) for their emotional awareness. In terms of providing physical support, spouses had an average score of 4.15 (0.63 standard deviations). It was determined that effective communication with intimate wants and concerns obtained a mean score of 4.24 (SD = 0.63). It was also a significant finding that they were flexible in their attitude to intimacy, with a mean score of 4.20 (SD = 0.60). The average rating for satisfaction with intimacy was 4.16, with a standard deviation of 0.73. Commitment to providing financial support to their wives throughout this period received a mean score of 4.15 (SD = 0.63). In a nutshell, the findings of this research indicate that husbands are generally supportive and understanding, and they place a high priority on their wives'emotional and physical comfort during the postpartum recovery period.

Relationship between husbands' knowledge level of postpartum sexual health and their attitudes toward postpartum sexual resumption

The data shown in both Table 2 and Table 3 enable us to reject the null hypothesis stating that there is no appreciable correlation between the attitudes of spouses and their knowledge level of postpartum sexual health. This is consistent with the research showing that knowledge and education are crucial elements influencing a person's attitude and behavior in connection with postpartum problems [36, 37]. Should a husband be more knowledgeable, this could result in more positive attitudes, less anxiety, and better postpartum communication between spouses [38, 39]. Furthermore, the results of the study show that educational treatments aimed at husbands should help them better grasp postpartum sexual health, therefore improving the relationship dynamics for the pair [35].

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study highlights the critical role of husbands'knowledge and attitudes regarding postpartum sexual health and their willingness to support their wives during the recovery period. The findings indicate moderate awareness among husbands about the physical and emotional changes their partners experience after childbirth, as well as a strong inclination to prioritize their wives'comfort and well-being. However, significant gaps in knowledge, particularly concerning common postpartum sexual health issues, were identified. To address these gaps, it is important to focus on educational programs that help husbands learn more about sexual health after giving birth. These kinds of programs could include workshops, informational sessions, and other materials that stress good communication and mental support. This would help relationships stay healthy and make the move to parenthood easier. Encourage couples to talk openly about their sexual health. This can give both partners power and help them get through this tough time with shared understanding and respect [40–42].

Authors’ contributions

The study was conceptualized and designed by JAS, who also coordinated the data collection and made substantial contributions to the drafting and revision of the final manuscript. SKE was accountable for the analysis and interpretation of data, and also made contributions to the development of the methodology and manuscript revision. MW and BNA contributed to the initial draft preparation, literature review, and data acquisition. The research process was overseen by ROA, who also provided critical revisions for significant intellectual content.

Funding

This research did not obtain any specific financing from public, commercial, or non-profit entities.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

To obtain data for this study, an introductory letter was collected from the research and ethics committee of the Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences of the Regentropfen University College, which was presented to the Local District Health Assembly. It served to inform the study’s goal and request their consent to participate. Additionally, to maximize collaboration and adhere to research ethics, the researchers communicated the study’s goal to the participants. The questionnaire used in this study was developed by the authors. This research adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. The questionnaire used in this study was developed by the authors. This research adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki in this regard in the ‘Ethics approval and consent to participate’ section.

Consent for publication

Consent for publication of raw data not obtained, but the dataset is fully anonymous in a manner that can easily be verified by any user of the dataset.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.