Higher birth weight and lower prevalence of low birth weight in children of agricultural workers than in those of workers in other occupations.

Abstract

Agricultural occupation has been associated with different reproductive outcomes. This study examined the relation between mean birth weight (MBW) and the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) and paternal occupation in 1995-1998. Births and late fetal deaths were analyzed (n = 1,097,817). Paternal occupation was grouped into four categories: professionals and managerial; clerical, sales and service; manual; and agricultural workers. We estimated the difference between the MBW and the prevalence ratio of LBW in each occupational group as compared to the group of professionals and managerial workers. The adjusted difference in the MBW of the children of each occupational category was -8.9 g, -17.2 g, and 16.9 g, respectively. The adjusted prevalence ratio for LBW was 1.04, 1.08, and 0.91. Our results suggest a higher birth weight and lower prevalence of LBW in children of fathers who are agricultural workers.