Men's Health Status in Pre-Pregnancy Care in Couples in Ahvaz Health Centers, Iran

Aims: The significance of men’s health before embarking on pregnancy has been acknowledged in the past decade. Identifying and mitigating risk factors to ensure successful fertility and favorable pregnancy outcomes is crucial. In Iran, preconception care primarily targets women. There is limited knowledge about men’s preconception health. This study was undertaken to assess the health status of men before pregnancy in couples in Ahvaz health centers. Instrument and Methods: In this descriptive study, ۳۸۴ married men were chosen from couples registered at health centers in Ahvaz, Iran, between ۲۰۱۹ and ۲۰۲۰. Inclusion criteria included the intention for pregnancy within the next three months or having a pregnant woman in her first trimester. Data were collected using a demographic information form and the General Health Questionnaire, and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS ۲۲ software. Findings: Based on the results, ۷۲.۹% of men exhibited at least one pre-pregnancy male risk factor: abnormal body mass index (۳۳.۹%), hypertension (۱۰%), borderline or abnormal blood glucose levels (۲۰.۸%), a condition impacting reproductive health (۱۷.۱۸%), significant mental health issues (۳۷.۲%), drug use (۱۴.۳%), substance abuse (۳۸%), and exposure to environmental and occupational hazards (۵۱.۳%). Conclusion: The majority of men have at least one risk factor associated with unfavorable pregnancy or fertility outcomes.

Keywords:

Preconception Care , Men’s Health , Risk Factors , Pregnancy Outcome