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Partner Involvement During Pregnancy and Maternal Health Behaviors

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Abstract

Objectives Healthcare provider focus often rests solely on a pregnant woman, while a woman’s partner may prove to be an ally in a pregnant woman’s health behaviors. The objective of this study is to assess the role of partner support and other demographic factors affecting alcohol and drug use in pregnancy. Methods This cross-sectional cohort study at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital evaluated pregnant women and their partners and obtained sociodemographic information, medical history, tobacco and alcohol use, and results from the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ). Inclusion criteria were pregnant women 18–44 years old, and English fluency. Subjects without support persons were excluded. Results 198 women were evaluated. Women who reported having a partner were less likely to smoke and drink, as 2.8 % of partnered women smoked and 26 % drank, compared with 12.2 % non-partnered women smoked (p = 0.01), and 42 % drank alcohol (p = 0.07). Significant factors positively influencing the NSSQ included being married, increased household income, and higher education (p < 0.001). On multivariate regression, having a partner and higher income level were the most important predictors of the Social Support Score (p < 0.05). Conclusions for Practice Having a partner during pregnancy is an important factor in alcohol and drug use. Patients with a reliable partner were less likely to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol in pregnancy. Increased income and relationship status are other important factors for the support of pregnant women.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 834 Chestnut Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Katelyn Cohen & Sarah Capponi

  2. School of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 115, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Mazvita Nyamukapa & Albert Crawford

  3. Department of OB/GYN, Thomas Jefferson University, 833 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Jason Baxter

  4. Department of OB/GYN, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Suite 500, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Brett Worly

Authors
  1. Katelyn Cohen
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  2. Sarah Capponi
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  3. Mazvita Nyamukapa
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  4. Jason Baxter
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  5. Albert Crawford
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  6. Brett Worly
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Correspondence to Brett Worly.

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Cohen, K., Capponi, S., Nyamukapa, M. et al. Partner Involvement During Pregnancy and Maternal Health Behaviors. Matern Child Health J 20, 2291–2298 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-016-2048-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-016-2048-3

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