Abstract

Background: Paternal involvement in maternity care is a critical but underutilised determinant of maternal health outcomes in Nigeria. Socio-economic factors — principally work commitment and the absence of statutory paternity leave — are the most commonly cited yet least studied barriers in Nigerian community settings. This study examined socio-economic challenges constraining paternal involvement in maternity care in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria, and tested their association with male engagement.  Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 respondents selected from 22 electoral wards across two Local Government Areas using stratified random sampling and the Taro Yamane formula. A structured, self-administered questionnaire assessed socio-economic barriers, opinions on paternity leave policy, and financial constraints on paternal ANC attendance. Pearson's correlation coefficient tested three hypotheses at α = 0.05.  Results: Work commitment was the single most commonly cited barrier (35%), surpassing all other barriers. An overwhelming 80% of respondents endorsed universal paternity leave legislation and employer-granted paid leave for ANC attendance, while 82.5% supported community emergency maternity transport funds. Pearson's correlation confirmed significant positive associations: H01 (r = 0.650, p = 0.002), H02 (r = 0.710, p = 0.002), and H03 (r = 0.650, p = 0.002).  Conclusions: Socio-economic barriers were significantly associated with paternal involvement in Calabar Metropolis. As this was cross-sectional, the findings indicate association rather than causation. Policy-level measures — paternity leave legislation, employer sensitisation, and community transport schemes — may complement individual-level approaches, although further longitudinal research is needed.