Prevalence and risks/challenges of grand multiparity to women’s` health in Oyo State Nigeria

Abstract

Grand multiparity (GMP) means women undergoing between five and nine viable pregnancies and deliveries. Scholarly attention has been given to preventing GMP through reduction in fertility. However the prevalence of GMP, couple with dearth of information of its threat women`s health especially in Oyo-state, Nigeria has not been adequately addressed. Health belief model (HBM) formed the frame work for this study. A total of 422 structured questionnaire were administered in a survey to GMP women using snow-balling method. Qualitative method was used in selecting and interviewing twelve key-informants with four healthcare practitioners each from western, traditional, and faith-based patterns of healthcare utilisation. GMP women and men were equally engaged in six sessions of focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using Chi-square and Cross-tabulation at p≤0.05. Qualitative data were content analysed. Mean respondents’ age was 43.3years ±1.2. About 41.0% and 19.0% acquired secondary and tertiary education respectively. About 18.7% affirmed the prevalence and threat of GMP. 30.0% indicated negative response to the prevalence of GMP, while 50.6% were neutral in their responses. Result showed that 71.5% of respondents indicated positive response to universality of illness during GMP. GMP was significantly associated with respondents’ level of education (χ2=365.85). Maternal age (β =0.04) and higher parity (β =0.08) were significantly related to preterm delivery. The study concluded that GMP and its health-risks still exist in the rural areas of Akinyele Local Government Area and socio-cultural factors are major drivers of GMP.