Adverse perinatal outcomes are still high in developing countries. Contradicting pieces of evidence were reported about the effect of parity on adverse perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to compare perinatal outcomes in grand multiparous and low multiparity women in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Adare General Hospital of Ethiopia.
A comparative cross-sectional study design was employed to include 461 mothers from February to June 2018. Data were collected by structured questionnaires using interviews and from patient charts. Data were entered using EPI-DATA version 4.4.2.0.
Of all study participants, 24.9% had at least one adverse perinatal outcome. Nevertheless, meconium aspiration, need for resuscitation, and macrosomia was higher in low multiparous women. Less than four prenatal visits and previous home delivery were independent predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes. However, parity did not show a statistically significant difference in perinatal outcomes.
This finding underscores the fact that frequency of antenatal care and place of delivery are significant predictors of perinatal outcomes. However, parity did not show a statistically significant difference in perinatal outcomes. Women empowerment, promoting health facility delivery, and early, comprehensive antenatal care are needed.
Reference: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jp/2019/9024258/
