Abstract: Maternal age at conception seems to have a significant correlation with pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. Classically, very young childbearing women and those over 35 years have been classified as high-risk categories for child bearing.. The specific objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of adverse pregnancy birth complications among elderly primigravidas in Kakamega County, Kenya. A cross sectional survey of childbearing women and selected hospital personnel in 3 selected hospitals and tertiary institutions in Kakamega County was carried out. Sampling strategies included purposive, quota and stratified sampling. The sample size was determined using Fishers formula, which was 177 childbearing women attending clinic, 177 child bearing women from tertiary institutions and 30 medical personnel. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, interview guides and observation checklists. . Qualitative methods were used to analyze data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data. Key results of the findings revealed that the prevalence of adverse complications occurred mainly in childbearing women from age 35 years and above. The complications included pre eclampsia, ante partum haemorrhage and premature rupture of membranes among others. The recommendations to mitigate the problem include health education to women on the dangers of late age pregnancy, development of government policies on access to quality maternal health services for elderly primigravidas and maternity protection in the work place.
Keywords: prevalence, primigravidas, adverse, complications.
Title: The prevalence of adverse pregnancy and birth complications among elderly primigravidas in Kakamega County, Kenya
Author: MILLICENT AMBETSA
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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