A comparative study of multiparous and grand multiparous women in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, grandmultiparity has been considered to be an obstetric risk to both the mother and the fetus. Cases of grandmultiparity are common in the developing countries, where compounding factors such as low socioeconomic levels, female illiteracy, social deprivation and lack of access to modern family planning services are common.

Objectives: This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics of grandmultiparous(GMP) women and  multiparous(MP) women, the complications they may have during labour and delivery.

Study Design: A 5-year retrospective study from 1st September, 2007 to 31st August, 2012 in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. All the grandmultiparous and multiparous women were included. The unbooked patient and patients who booked but did not deliver in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital were excluded from the study.  Their records were collected from the labour ward and Patients' case files were retrieved, studied and recorded in a proforma. Data analysis was done using   Epi info version 3.5 statistical software (CDC Atlanta,Georgia,USA)   and proportions were compared using the Chi square test where applicable with level of significance considered at a P-value of <0.05.

Results: During the study period, a total of 19,456 parturient were delivered in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, out of which 3364 (17.3%) were grandmultiparous, 9038 (46.4%) were multiparous and 7054(36.3%) were primiparous. There were more labour and neonatal complications with GMP than MP with statistically significant difference P<0.05. Most of the maternal and neonatal deaths occurred among the GMP with statistically significant difference P < 0.05.  

Conclusion: Grandmultiparity poses a great challenge in our obstetric practice, with its attendant high maternal and perinatal complications. Concerted efforts should be directed toward reducing high parity in the community through effective family planning initiatives, improved antenatal care attendance and provision of skilled birth attendants.