Aim:The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of grand multiparity and the associated risks factors.Methods:Four hundred thirty grandmutliparas (parity 5 or more) were compared with multiparous population (parity 2-4) with regard to maternal age, gestational age, mode of delivery, fetal and maternal outcomes and inter-current medical and obstetrical problems.Results:There were significant association between grand multiparity and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as cesarean delivery (OR=2.699, CI=2.072-3.515, p<0.001), fetal macrosomia (OR=1.675; 95% CI=1.004- 2.796, p=.048), Diabetes mellitus (OR=1.634, 95%CI=1.076-2.481, p=0 .021), and pregnancy induced hypertension (OR=1.838, 95% CI=1.054-3.204, p= .032). No significant associations were seen in placenta abruption, placenta previa, preterm labor, postpartum hemorrhage and the frequency of admission to neonatal intensive care unit. No prenatal or maternal mortality was reported in this study.Conclusion:Grand multiparty remains a major obstetrics problem. It is associated with many medical and obstetrical complications. In communities where large family is desirable it is important to address the value of family planning and conduction of meticulous antenatal care.

The epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is a major issue for public health. Primary infection in pregnant women can lead to serious sequelae. This review examined current sero-epidemiology and risks factor data for Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women in Arab and African countries. A systematic electronic search of published literature was conducted. Data were extracted from relevant studies. Seropositivity is high in both regions. African countries have higher seropositivity than Arab countries due to differences in risk factors. Data on T. gondii infection in pregnancy are scant in many countries, especially where there is lack of political stability. Identified risk factors included eating raw meat, proximity with cats, undercooked food, and increasing maternal age. Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy in Arab and African countries is an underestimated health problem. Further research is needed. This report is a foundation for strategies and policies for intervention needed to combat the consequences of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Facteurs associés aux connaissances et déterminants concernant l'apport en acide folique parmi les femmes en âge de procréer au SoudanRÉSUMÉ La consommation d'acide folique avant la conception est connue pour avoir un effet protecteur contre les anomalies du tube neural (ATD). La présente étude avait pour objectif d'évaluer les connaissances et déterminants de la sensibilisation à la consommation d'acide folique parmi les femmes enceintes à la maternité de l'hôpital d'Omdourman au Soudan en 2014. Un questionnaire, standardisé et anonyme, a été utilisé pour collecter des données. Près de 80 % des répondants avaient déjà entendu parler de l'acide folique. Les femmes ayant reçu une éducation universitaire (92,2 %) en savaient plus sur l'acide folique et en consommaient davantage souvent durant la période préconceptionnelle (8,3 %). Les médecins étaient la source d'information la plus courante sur l'acide folique (62 %). Un nombre inférieur de sujets (8,9 %) étaient conscients que l'acide folique permet de prévenir les malformations congénitales et 33,8 % des sujets savaient que les légumes vert à feuilles constituent une source d'acide folique. Parmi tous les sujets, seulement 3,2 % en consommaient avant la conception. La supplémentation préconceptionnelle en acide folique doit être prise en compte afin de réduire la forte incidence des ATD constatées au Soudan. ABSTRACT Preconceptual folic acid use is known to have a protective effect against neural tube defects (NTDs). This study assessed knowledge and determinants of awareness on folic acid use among pregnant women at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan during 2014. The standardized, anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data. Almost 80% of respondents had heard of folic acid. College-educated women (92.2%) knew more about folic acid and used it more often in the pre-conceptual period (8.3%). Doctors were the commonest source of information on folic acid (62%). Fewer subjects (8.9%) knew that it prevented birth defects, and 33.8% of subjects knew that green leafy vegetables are a source of folic acid. Of all subjects, only 3.2% use it preconceptually. Supplementation of folic acid preconceptually needs to be addressed in order to reduce the rate of NTDs found in Sudan. ‫السودان‬ ‫درمان،‬ ‫أم‬ ‫يف‬ ‫احلوامل‬ ‫النساء‬ ‫بني‬ ‫الفوليك‬ ‫محض‬ ‫تناول‬ ‫وحمددات‬ ‫معلومات‬