Paternal age and neonatal health risks: a public hospital perspective from Peru

Background/Aims Although preconception care often focuses on maternal health, the father's role in care is equally crucial. This study aimed to determine the association between paternal age and adverse neonatal outcomes in a public hospital in southern Peru. Methods This retrospective cohort study examined data from the hospital records of 576 fathers (along with the mothers and newborns) at the Hospital Hipólito Unanue de Tacna in 2019. Association was measured using relative risk with a 95% confidence interval, adjusting for other variables. Results The fathers were 17–64 years old (mean 36.3±9.5 years), with most being 25–44 years old (67.0%). Fathers being aged <25 years (P=0.014) or >44 years was significantly associated with low birth weight (P=0.011). Conclusions Extreme paternal age was associated with low birth weight. These findings may have public health implications, as failing to include paternal age in risk assessments could lead to an increase in low birth weight. Implications for practice These findings highlight the need to consider paternal age in antenatal risk assessments, with the aim of early detection of complications such as low birth weight. It is recommended that perinatal care protocols be updated and community interventions be implemented to raise awareness about the reproductive risks associated with extreme paternal age, especially in vulnerable populations.