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Introduction: Childbearing in latter part of reproductive age is challenging. Adverse pregnancy outcomes increase with advanced (>35 years) maternal age (AMA) and comprehensive antenatal care (ANC) usage by AMA women improves their pregnancy outcomes. However, no recent local data are available on the AMA and pregnancy outcomes. Objectives: To describe utilization of ANC and pregnancy outcomes of AMA women delivering at North Colombo Teaching Hospital and assessed the association between utilization of ANC services and selected pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 women aged >35 years delivered at Colombo North Teaching Hospital selected using a non-probability consecutive sampling method. Women were interviewed within 7 days postpartum inward using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Selected data were extracted from clinical records. Key elements of ANC (booking visit, type, frequency, services etc.) were scored and their association with pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Results: A total of 216 AMA postpartum women (age range 35–45 years, mean 37.8 (SD=2.4)) were recruited (response rate 100%). Majority (91.7%, n=198) were multiparous. The current pregnancy was planned in 77.8% (n=168) and 52.7% (n=114) experienced antenatal morbidities. Adverse maternal (8.3%, n=18) and newborn (37%, n=80) outcomes were noted. Majority (75.9%, n=164) optimally utilized ANC. Sinhalese (OR=2.98, 95%CI 1.29–6.87, p=0.008), Buddhist (OR=2.53, 95%CI 1.33–4.80, p=0.004) women with intended pregnancies (OR=5.67, 95%CI 2.81–11.43, p<0.001) well utilized ANC. Women educated <10 years of formal education (OR=0.4, 95%CI 1.33–4.80, p=0.027), had contraceptive issues (OR=0.27, 95%CI 0.10–0.74, p=0.007) and had adverse newborn outcomes (OR=0.32, 95%CI 0.16–0.61, p=0.001) reported low tendency to utilize ANC. Conclusions: Many AMA women are multiparous and with planned pregnancies. Presence of adverse maternal & newborn outcomes is substantial. Majority well utilized ANC and it reduced adverse pregnancy outcomes. Effective strategies should be formulated to promote well-planned pregnancies in early reproductive ages of women.
Advanced maternal age pregnancy, Adverse pregnancy outcomes of AMA, Contributory factors of AMA, Utilization of antenatal care services.
Advanced maternal age pregnancy, Adverse pregnancy outcomes of AMA, Contributory factors of AMA, Utilization of antenatal care services.
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