Health and behavioural risks for adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes across peak male fertility: Prevalence in the Australian longitudinal study on male health

Francis LM, Spry EA, Hutchinson D, Kotelchuck M, Boyle JA, Seidler ZE, Olsson CA, Hancox RJ, Teague S, Wilson MJ, Moss T, Kretschmer T, Wynter K, Biden EJ, Garfield CF, Martin S, Greenwood CJ, Fletcher R, Macdonald JA (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Public Health WB Saunders

Book Volume: 259

Article Number: 106466

DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2026.106466

Abstract

Objectives Male preconception exposures are associated with adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes, yet few studies have reported prevalence of these risk factors in men of reproductive age. We aimed to estimate preconception risk factor prevalence and concurrent risk counts, and to identify risk levels within population subgroups. Study design Descriptive, cross-sectional analyses of a national cohort study. Methods Data were from four waves across the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health (2012-2022). Included were fertile men aged 18-44 years at each wave ( n w1 = 8727; n w2 = 5854; n w3 = 3267; n w4 = 2705). Eleven pre-established risk factors were assessed: eight were available at all waves and used to derive a concurrent risk score (harmful alcohol use, cigarette use, cannabis use, illicit drug use, occupational exposure to harmful substances, type 2 diabetes, depression, and high body mass); three were assessed at between one and three waves (anxiety, intimate partner violence perpetration, and low fruit or vegetable intake). Proportions were estimated at each wave and weighted to be population representative. Subgroup differences were examined in regression analyses. Results 82-84% of men had one or more preconception risk factors, 48-53% had two or more. The most common risk was low fruit or vegetable intake (76-77%). Relative to counterparts, men under financial stress reported 45-50% more risk factors, men with lower education reported 18-30% more, unemployed men 19-32% more, and men residing in regional or remote locations 12-22% more. Conclusions Results present compelling evidence of high preconception health needs in men and underscore the importance of supporting men prior to reproduction.

Authors with CRIS profile

Tina Kretschmer Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungspsychologie und Pädagogische Psychologie

Involved external institutions

Deakin University AU Australia (AU) Harvard University US United States (USA) (US) Monash University AU Australia (AU) University of Otago NZ New Zealand (NZ) Healthy Male AU Australia (AU) Northwestern University US United States (USA) (US) Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) AU Australia (AU)

How to cite

APA:

Francis, L.M., Spry, E.A., Hutchinson, D., Kotelchuck, M., Boyle, J.A., Seidler, Z.E.,... Macdonald, J.A. (2026). Health and behavioural risks for adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes across peak male fertility: Prevalence in the Australian longitudinal study on male health. Public Health, 259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2026.106466

MLA:

Francis, Lauren M., et al. "Health and behavioural risks for adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes across peak male fertility: Prevalence in the Australian longitudinal study on male health." Public Health 259 (2026).

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