Paternal factors influencing low birth weight of offsprings: a cross sectional study in selected postnatal clinics in Sammanthurai MOH area

Abstract

Introduction: Low birthweight is a multifaceted public health problem and major determinant of mortality, morbidity and disability in neonatal period, infancy and childhood. Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as a birth weight of an infant less than 2500g. Maternal factors such as unintended pregnancies, malnutrition, hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, low educational levels, smoking and HIV influence the LBW the most. Though based on existing studies, there is lack of conclusive evidences as to whether and why paternal factors matter adverse birth outcomes. Aim: To assess the paternal factors (Age, height, socioeconomic conitions, smoking and alohol usage, medical conditions, paternal affection towards mother during pregnancy) influencing low birth weight of offsprings in selected postnatal clinics in Sammanthurai MOH area. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study done among 175 infants who have visited the selected 5 postnatal clinics first in Sammanthurai MOH area and their fathers (directly or indirectly through mothers) using CHDR and Interviewer administered questionnaires. Results In the sample of 175 infants the prevalence of LBW is 18.3%. The prevalence among male infants is 13.92% and the female infants is 21.87%. Among the paternal personal influencing factors, paternal smoking (p- 0.394) has the highest association with LBW and paternal monthly income has the lowest association. Among the paternal medical influencing factors paternal diabetes (p- 0.174) has the highest association and renal diseases (1.000) has the lowest association. Conclusion: None of the paternal personal influencing factors or paternal medical influencing factors add significance to the research model. Although paternal factors lacking a conclusive association with Low birth weight of offspring, further studies can improve these conclusions helping eliminating the risk factors of LBW and improving birth outcomes.