Partner Involvement During Pregnancy and Its Association With Maternal Health Behaviors

Partner Involvement During Pregnancy and Its Association With Maternal Health Behaviors

This study assessed the relationship between pregnant women, partner support, and cigarette and alcohol use in pregnancy.

Paternal support is related to positive pregnancy outcomes. We explored the relationship between paternal involvement and maternal smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This was an IRB-approved cross sectional study. Pregnant women between the ages of 18 - 44 years old and their partners were surveyed in the outpatient OB/GYN offices of Thomas Jefferson University. Women who identified their partner as their main support were included. Demographic and health information was collected. A composite support score for each woman was generated from a modified version of the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ) on a scale from 5 - 35. Support scores were evaluated with women's current smoking and drinking status using ANOVA and Student's t-test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women between the ages of 18 - 44 years old and their partners were surveyed in the outpatient OB/GYN offices of Thomas Jefferson University. Women who identified their partner as their main support were included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-English speaking.