Sociobiological factors of physical development of children at birth: Maternal smoking during pregnancy and social environment

Objective of the research: To study the effect of maternal smoking on the physical state (PS) of children without parental care and living in the family of biological parents, at birth - Apgar score and anthropometric characteristics (weight, height, head and chest circumference). Materials and methods: The retrospective study included 160 children: 31 children without parental care, and 129 from the biological family. Data on the child’s PS and maternal smoking experience were obtained from the child’s medical record or mother’s questioning. Data statistical analysis included simple distributions calculation and three-factor analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: At the time of birth, children transferred to the orphanage had lower PS values compared to children living in the family if mother had smoking experience. No connection was found between Apgar score values at the 5^th minute after birth and maternal smoking, newborn's gender and his further living conditions.