Open AccessHealth‐related behaviours and weight status of expectant fathers
Author(s) -
Pettigrew Simone,
Jongenelis Michelle I.,
Cronin Sophie,
Dana Liyuwork M.,
Silva Desiree,
Prescott Susan L.,
Yeap Bu B.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/1753-6405.13216
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , socioeconomic status , overweight , medicine , population , pregnancy , cohort , gerontology , focus group , obesity , demography , environmental health , nursing , marketing , sociology , biology , business , genetics
Abstract Objective : Little attention has been given to the health status and lifestyle behaviours of expectant fathers. This study aimed to examine health‐related variables in a cohort of expectant fathers to identify potential focus areas for interventions designed to optimise health and wellbeing outcomes in this group. Methods : Partners of pregnant women who accessed antenatal services at a large maternity unit in a Western Australian hospital were recruited as part of the ORIGINS Project. Analyses were conducted on data from 498 expectant fathers who were primarily of mid and high socioeconomic status. Results : Participants reported relatively low levels of smoking and alcohol consumption and higher physical activity compared to national averages. Weight status was consistent with population norms for adult males: 76% were overweight or obese and 62% had a waist girth ≥94cm. Conclusions : Expectant fathers may benefit from health interventions, especially in relation to managing their weight during this phase of their lives and beyond. Implications for public health : Pregnancy represents a valuable opportunity to engage fathers‐to‐be in health interventions. Given identified links between paternal weight status and offspring outcomes, interventions focusing on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight among expectant fathers could be beneficial for families.