This study describes the characteristics of fathers of infants born to adolescents; the associations of paternal characteristics with perinatal risks; and whether the absence of paternal information on vital records is a maternal or infant risk marker. Data were from the birth certificates of 37,155 singleton infants born to adolescents in Minnesota, 1990-1996. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated from multivariate logistic regression analyses to describe the associations of paternal characteristics (educational adequacy for age, age difference from mother, race) with maternal prenatal behaviors (tobacco or alcohol use, prenatal care adequacy) and infant outcomes (low birthweight, preterm, small size for gestational age). Missing paternal data were coded as such and used in all analyses. Paternal data were missing for 41% of the infants; 21% of the fathers were younger than 20 years-old, 27% were adults no more than 5 years older than the mother, and 11% were adults more than 5 years older than the mother. Twenty percent had inadequate educational attainment. Paternal characteristics were not associated with low birthweight or preterm risk. Inadequate paternal education was associated with about twice the odds for small size for gestational age, maternal inadequate prenatal care and prenatal smoking. Missing paternal age data, as well as teen paternal age, was associated with about twice the odds for inadequate maternal prenatal care and prenatal alcohol use. The absence of paternal data on vital records could identify high-risk families—and the current data encourage further exploration of the family environments of infants born to adolescents.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to: 1. Articulate the shortcomings of paternal information on birth certificates 2. Describe the association of paternal characteristics to prenatal behaviors and infant outcomes
Keywords: Birth Outcomes, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.