Health‐related behaviours and weight status of expectant fathers

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.

Evaluation outcomes of an alcohol and pregnancy campaign targeting multiple audiences

“…This is evidenced by a majority of Australian women reducing or abstaining from alcohol use once they are aware they are pregnant [ 6 , 19 ]. There is some evidence that this heightened motivation to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviours during the prenatal phase may also occur among male partners [ 19 , 20 ]. The inclusion of men as a target group for alcohol and pregnancy interventions is important for multiple reasons, including the impact of their drinking on their partners' choices and the potential to improve health outcomes for men through reduced alcohol use [ 19 ].…”