Abstract: Maternal age at conception seems to have a significant correlation with pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. Classically, very young childbearing women (less than 18 years) and above 35 years have been classified as high-risk categories. Strategic interventions to reduce obstetric risks found among these childbearing women seem to be lacking. There is need to reduce the effect of obstetric risks associated with late age pregnancy outcomes among the elderly primigravidas by evaluation of existing strategic interventions.
Methods; Cross sectional survey research design was used, childbearing women and selected hospital personnel in 3 selected hospitals and tertiary institutions in Kakamega County were sampled. Purposive and stratified sampling strategies were used. The sample size was determined using Fisher’s formula, which was 177 childbearing women attending clinic in the 3 health facilities, 177 child bearing women from tertiary institutions and 30 medical personnel from the various institutions. Data collection was carried out using structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, interview guides and observation checklists of the medical equipment in the selected hospitals. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS and correlation techniques. Qualitative methods were used to analyze data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
Results: Healthcare facilities in the county were not fully equipped to deal with the adverse complications that come up with late age pregnancy.
Conclusion: Hospitals should be adequately equipped with adequate personnel and facilities such as Intensive Care Unit/Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to cater for this emerging trend.
Keywords: Elderly Primigravidas, Intervention, maternal, birth outcomes.
Title: Strategic interventions in reducing obstetric risks associated with late age pregnancy among childbearing women in Kakamega County, Kenya
Author: Millicent Ambetsa
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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