Socio-Demographic Determinants And Prevalence Of Multiple Pregnancies In Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu (A Nine Year Retrospective Study) 1st January 2004 To 31st December 2012.

Abstract

Background: The relatively high prevalence of multiple gestations together with their contributions to perinatal morbidity and mortality warrants an integrated approach to its management. Age, parity, race are some of the significant factors that affects the prevalence of multiple pregnancy in our environment. The objective is to evaluate the socio-demographic determinants and prevalence of multiple pregnancy in Imo State University Teaching Hospital from 1" January 2004 to 31° December 2012.

Methodology: It was a retrospective, analytical cross sectional study. Case folders of all patients who attended antenatal clinic within the period of study were collected from the medical records. Using a data collection proforma, the relevant information was obtained from the case folders. The data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistical methods. Results were presented using frequency tables
and bar charts.

Results: A total of two thousand, two hundred and thirty-seven (2237) deliveries took place within this period, out of which ninety-seven (97) were twins and three (3) triplets. The prevalence therefore was 44.7 per 1000 births, out of which twins were 43.4 per 1000 births and triplets 1.3 per 1000 births. The age ranges of the mothers were 16-41 years with the mean maternal age being 28.5 + 12.5 years. The
range for parity was 1-7 with a mean of 3.0 + 2.0. Non civil servants had the highest prevalence of multiple pregnancies (540/1000). Multiparous mothers with multiple pregnancies were found to have a decrease in attendance to antenatal clinics compared to primiparous mothers.

Conclusion: The prevalence of multiple pregnancy in IMSUTH Orlu is quite high (44.7%). Determining risk factors associated with this were age, parity, occupation and attendance to antenatal clinics.