This study represents an effort to better understand, build on, and acknowledge the merits of positive traditional health practices around maternal health in Bolivia. The study consists of descriptive qualitative research, and its primary objective is to investigate men's participation during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in order to provide a basis for developing strategies to promote the effective participation of men in maternal and family health care.

Findings from the study reveal diverse but active involvement of men in different aspects of women's health during pregnancy, labor/delivery, and the postpartum period. Interestingly, the research has revealed that in some cases, men are the ones who urge their wives to obtain formal antenatal care, while women often cite poor treatment and quality of care as reasons not to pursue public-sector care. 

In addition, a large majority of women interviewed felt strongly that their husbands should assist, or at least be present, during labor and delivery, and men appeared to share this sentiment. Study findings also include important sociocultural beliefs about where women derive the energy to give birth, the importance of the placenta, and properties of hot and cold as they relate to a pregnant or recently delivered woman. These findings have important implications for both male involvement and for treatment of pregnant couples by the public health sector.

Study findings are being shared through formal presentations to communities, hospital personnel, and local and international nongovernmental organizations. The findings are also presented in a summary format oriented toward public-sector providers, as well as a full-length analysis report that documents the entire research process and complete findings.