The effect of maternal age on birth outcomes in Sokoto State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Maternal age is a significant factor influencing pregnancy outcomes, including the health of the mother and child. Advanced maternal age, typically defined as 35 years or older, has been associated with increased risks for various adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies (Abubakar et al., 2025). Conversely, younger maternal age, particularly under 18 years, has been linked to higher rates of teenage pregnancy-related complications, including preeclampsia and poor fetal development (Sulaimon & Musa, 2024). In Sokoto State, located in the northwestern region of Nigeria, maternal age-related birth outcomes are of particular concern due to high rates of early marriage, teenage pregnancies, and cultural norms that may delay access to prenatal care (Aliyu & Umar, 2023).
Previous studies have shown that maternal age is a critical determinant of pregnancy outcomes in various regions of Nigeria, yet research specific to Sokoto State is limited. The region’s unique socio-cultural dynamics, including early childbearing practices and limited access to maternal healthcare, may exacerbate the risks associated with both early and advanced maternal age (Sulaimon et al., 2024). This study aims to investigate the effect of maternal age on birth outcomes in Sokoto State, focusing on the complications that arise from both younger and older maternal ages, with a view to informing targeted interventions for improving maternal and child health in the state.
Statement of the Problem
Maternal age has been shown to influence birth outcomes in many regions, but the specific effects in Sokoto State remain inadequately explored. In a region with high rates of teenage pregnancy and early marriage, as well as increasing numbers of older women choosing to have children later in life, understanding the impact of maternal age on birth outcomes is critical for improving maternal and child health. Without clear data on how maternal age affects pregnancy outcomes in Sokoto State, public health strategies may fail to address the specific needs of these age groups, leading to preventable complications and adverse health outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the relationship between maternal age and birth outcomes in Sokoto State.
2. To examine the birth complications associated with teenage pregnancies and advanced maternal age in Sokoto State.
3. To recommend targeted interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes based on maternal age in Sokoto State.
Research Questions
1. What is the relationship between maternal age and birth outcomes in Sokoto State?
2. What birth complications are most associated with teenage pregnancies and advanced maternal age in Sokoto State?
3. What public health interventions can mitigate the risks associated with maternal age-related birth outcomes in Sokoto State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Younger maternal age (under 18 years) is significantly associated with higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in Sokoto State.
2. Advanced maternal age (35 years and older) is significantly associated with higher rates of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, in Sokoto State.
3. Targeted prenatal care interventions can reduce the adverse birth outcomes associated with extreme maternal age in Sokoto State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on birth outcomes in Sokoto State, analyzing data from hospital records, health surveys, and maternal health clinics. It will examine birth complications and maternal health outcomes associated with both younger and older maternal age. Limitations include potential biases in reporting, lack of detailed maternal health records in rural areas, and challenges in controlling for other confounding factors such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.
Definitions of Terms
• Maternal Age: The age of a woman at the time of giving birth, categorized as teenage (under 18 years), adult (18-34 years), and advanced maternal age (35 years and older).
• Birth Outcomes: The health results of a pregnancy, including the birth weight, gestational age, and any complications arising during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
• Preterm Birth: A birth that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation.
• Low Birth Weight: A birth weight of less than 2,500 grams, often associated with preterm birth or fetal growth restriction.
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