Association of Low Birth Weight with Emotional, Financial and Antenatal Care Related Support by Husband

Abstract

Background: Lack of social support has been associated with low birth weight in a number of epidemiological studies. The role of social, emotional and financial support by spouse is important for healthy pregnancy and delivery. Despite of published literature indicating role of social support, the results have been inconsistent and limited.

Objective: To find association of Low Birth Weight (LBW) with emotional, financial and ANC visits/care related social support by husband.

Methodology: A case control study was done from October-December 2018 in Lady Aitchson Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan using non probability purposive sampling on 308 pregnant females including 105 cases and 203 controls. SPSS version 18 was used for data entry and analysis. Frequency and percentages were calculated for descriptive analysis and Chi square test was used to find association between LBW and the three components of social support

Results: Out of total 308 mothers, 7.6% cases and 1.5% controls were 35 years old or more with significant association of higher age with higher risk of having LBW babies (p-value=0.006). More cases were living in a combined family system compared to controls and had low per month income compared to controls with higher risk of having LBW baby (p-values=0.004 & 3). Cases had less emotional, financial and ANC visits related support by husband compared to controls with significant association of all three components of social support with LBW.(p-values<0.001 for all)

Conclusion: Lack of emotional, financial and ANC visits related social support by husband has strong association with low birth weight.