Does the paternal and maternal anthropometry influence the birth weight of children? A cross sectional study in a rural maternity hospital, South India
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Low birth weight rate is a good indicator of a public health problem. Several factors have been associated with baby’s birth weight. Maternal influences on birth weight are known, paternal influences less studied.
Objective: To estimate the low birth weight rate and to investigate the influence of parental anthropometries on birth weight.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out among the 164 delivered babies and their parents during the period of July–August 2013. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data.
Results: The low birth weight rate was for found to be 19.5%. Correlation analysis for Birth weight, with the factors such as parental age, parental height, paternal weight, paternal BMI, paternal waist and Hip circumference showed no correlation.
Conclusion: Low birth weight rate among our study population was found to be low. Our study showed that birth weight is not associated with the paternal anthropometries mentioned.