Motherhood and the practice of grand multiparity: responses from grand multiparous women in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Grand Multiparity (GMP), having five or more pregnancies and deliveries, has contributed to high population growth in Nigeria. While the quality of life of children and the health risks associated with GMP have dominated scholarly discourse, dearth of information exists on perception of Grand Multiparity (GMP) and its practices. This study therefore focused on the Perception of Grand Multiparous Women in Grand Multiparity Practices in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. With Health belief model as framework in this study, questionnaire was administered to 422 randomly selected GMP women identified through snowballing, while 12 Key Informant Interviews were conducted with four healthcare practitioners each from western, traditional, and faith-based patterns. Six sessions of focus group discussions were also held with GMP mothers and husbands. The age of the respondents was 43.3 years ±1.2. About 41% and 19% had secondary and tertiary education respectively. Ninety per cent of the respondents were between their 5th and 7th pregnancies. Majority (67.0%) of GMP women were influenced by: couples` desire for more children (23.8%), non-use of contraception (22.6%) and desire for male children (19.5%). The GMP was significantly associated with respondents’ level of education (χ2=365.85). The GMP was rooted in the cultural values of the respondents, hence, inevitable. Conclusion: Grand multiparous practice and its attendant health-risks still exist in the rural area of Ibadan, Oyo-State, Nigeria, due to its socio-cultural influence.