Onm-4: Physical Activity, Body Mass Index,and Fertility Status

Background: Body mass index and physical activity may affect the reproductive system. The purpose of this study was to determine the fertility status and parity and its relationship with physical activity and body mass index in a community in Babol, Iran. Materials and Methods: The research design of the present study was a population based cross-sectional study, and their current physical activities were measured using the original International Physical Activity Questionnaires Short form. A face to face household interview was conducted using a special designed interview questionnaire. A total of 1140 women aged 20-45 were selected by a standard cluster sampling method. Results: Significant difference observed in level physical activity (p=0.000), walking (0.045), and body mass index (0.0001) between these women, either with (1, 2 and 3 or more child) or without children. The chai-square test did not reveal any statistical significant difference in Met-minutes of sedentary, intensity of walking, moderated, vigorous and total physical activity between these women, either experienced or no infertility. The adjusted and unadjusted OR showed no significant association between fertility problems and level of physical activity. The adjusted OR for fertility problem in women with underweight and normal weight was significantly lower than in those with overweight and obese women (OR=0.60; CI=0.37, 0.95 and OR=0.30; CI=0.10, 0.92, respectively). Conclusion: Increased risk of experienced difficulty conceiving at same stage of life was reported only for women over weight and obese awareness of the highlighted. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize on the benefits of weight loss.