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

Plain Language Summary

Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition that requires early recognition and timely care. A recent review by Asiedu and colleagues showed that male partners may support women during pregnancy through financial preparation, shared decision-making, emotional support, household assistance, and information sharing. This Letter acknowledges the importance of that review but qualifies its policy message: partner involvement should be woman-centered, non-coercive, and linked to practical emergency preparedness rather than assumed to be essential or sufficient on its own. Delays in receiving care are influenced not only by knowledge but also by cost, transportation, family decision-making, distance, and the readiness of health facilities. Male partners’ roles differ across households and communities. Some women may rely on other trusted relatives, friends, or community members. Therefore, counseling programs should not assume that involving a male partner will always improve care or make male attendance a condition for receiving services. With the woman’s informed consent, pre-eclampsia counseling may include male partners and other trusted household decision-makers. Programs should ensure equitable access regardless of partner status and monitor for unintended harms, including coercion, increased surveillance, and gender-based violence. Counseling should focus on recognizing danger signs, saving emergency funds, arranging transportation, identifying referral facilities and contact persons, and deciding who may accompany the woman or communicate with health care providers during an emergency. Male partners can be valuable sources of support, but their involvement must respect women’s choices, autonomy, safety, and preferred support networks. The goal is not simply to increase men’s attendance or presence, but to strengthen the practical support that helps women obtain timely, safe, and respectful care.