Male partners' expected response, coping mechanisms, social and health institutions expectations after early pregnancy loss: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Parents with early pregnancy loss uses various coping models, men cope with the loss differently, with immediate and long-term psychiatric consequences. As men’s emotional coping mechanisms are heavily affected by societal dilemmas, they hide their emotions. This study aims to determine how different types of early pregnancy loss affect male partners responses, coping strategies and expectations.Method: The study used the PICO approach and searched for relevant articles from June 15th, 2020, to December 15th, 2020. Forty-eight (48) articles were selected based on pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria from Ovid MEDLINE® without Revisions and Embase database.Summary of evidence: Male partners are equally psychologically involved as women but are often overlooked. There is a lack of a strong support system from society and professional caregivers to help these men. They are generally seen as the family’s source of strength. Men feel uncomfortable when emotionally affected by the event as they cannot channel their emotions out due to societal pressures and expectations. Men need to be supported by providing the necessary grief management.Conclusion: Male partners responses, their coping strategies and what they expect from society and healthcare providers require an in-depth investigation to determine the support they need.