In rural Guatemala, men are often the major decisionmakers concerning health issues at the household level. A key problem, however, is that while they may be involved in family health care to varying degrees, they are largely unaware of basic family health issues and needs, and thus are hindered in making appropriate and timely decisions with their partners and taking action when the health or life of a mother or baby may be at risk.

This study, which began in 2002, aims to gain a better understanding of the role of Mayan men in family health in Guatemala, focusing specifically on pregnancy, labor/delivery, postpartum/ family planning, and gender roles/communication, and to test ways of enhancing positive male involvement in family health.