Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Neonatal health, a key indicator of population health, is influenced by parental anthropometry and gestational weight gain. Understanding these influences is vital for improving neonatal outcomes, especially in rural areas of developing countries. This study explores the impact of parental anthropometric characteristics and gestational weight gain on neonatal outcomes in rural India, where neonatal mortality is a significant concern. This study was conducted in rural India, involving pregnant women aged 18‐40 years attending antenatal clinics and their partners. Inclusion criteria included singleton pregnancies and willingness to participate, while exclusions were chronic illnesses affecting pregnancy outcomes and multiple pregnancies. Data collection involved structured interviews, clinical examinations and medical record reviews. Maternal and paternal anthropometry, gestational weight gain and neonatal outcomes were measured and analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and correlation analysis. Ethical approval was obtained and data were anonymized to ensure confidentiality. The study analyzed the anthropometric characteristics of both mothers and fathers during pregnancy. Mothers had a height of 152.4 cm, a pre‐pregnancy weight of 52.1 kg and a BMI of 22.3 kg/m². Fathers had a height of 165.3 cm, a weight of 65.4 kg, and a BMI of 23.9 kg/m². Gestational weight gain was 11.4 kg, with a mean birth weight of 2987 g and a gestational age at delivery of 38.2 weeks. Parental anthropometry significantly influenced birth weight, with maternal height >150 cm resulting in 3060 g and paternal height >160 cm resulting in 3045 g. Neonatal morbidity was influenced by gestational weight gain. Maternal anthropometry was correlated with intrauterine growth parameters, including birth weight, length and head circumference. This study highlights significant associations between parental anthropometry and neonatal outcomes in rural India. Maternal height, BMI and gestational weight gain were positively correlated with better neonatal outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions. These findings can inform healthcare strategies to improve maternal nutrition and antenatal care in rural settings, ultimately enhancing neonatal health.
How to cite this article:
R. Manoj Kumar and Masaraddi Sanjay Krishna. Examining the Effects of Parental Anthropometry and Gestational Weight Gain on Neonatal Health: Evidence from Rural India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.9.160.165
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.9.160.165