Sociocultural Factors Influencing Grand Multiparous Practices in Ibadan, Nigeria

Grand multiparous (GMP) women are susceptible to higher risk of developing obstetric complications compared to women of lesser parity. Despite the health consequences on women with high parity, the prevalence rate of multiparity in Nigeria is still high. This study documented the sociocultural factors influencing the GMP practices in Ibadan, Nigeria. Through a multi-stage sampling procedure, and snowballing technique, data were collected through questionnaire from 422 GMP women in six purposively selected rural wards in Akinyele Local Government Area. Qualitative data were elicited through 12 Key informant interviews and six sessions of Focus Group Discussions. The age of respondents was 43.3 years ±1.2 and 41.4% had secondary education. More than half (67%) of the respondents were reportedly influenced to practice GMP, for predominant reasons as couples' desire for more children (24%), lack in knowledge of contraceptive use (27.0%) and desire for particular sex of child (22.2%). However, the data revealed that majority of the respondents did not want to give birth up to five children. GMP is perceived to be rooted in the cultural values of the respondents and therefore inevitable. Health education and enlightenment programs about ideal family size and its essence are recommended to reduce GMP practices

Family medicine · Focus group · Rural area · Sociocultural evolution · Sociology · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Global Maternal and Child Health · Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Demography