Imo State University Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Assessment of Neonatal Mortality amongst Sick Neonates in the Special Care Baby Unit of a Tertiary Institution in Orlu, Nigeria

Introduction: Neonatal mortality constitutes more than 41% of under 5 mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, despite advancement in technology and concerted effort aimed at decreasing under-five mortality. This study aims at assessing the risk factors and causes of neonatal mortality among sick infants in the special care baby unit (SCBU); focused at identification of possible areas of improvement in care and result. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of sick neonates admitted into SCBU of Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 214 sick neonates that died was obtained out of the 948 admitted/treated over a five year period (2018-2022). Descriptive statistics was used to summarize data, logistic regression at 95% level of significance was used to determine association between independent variables and neonatal death. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: A total of 948 sick neonates were admitted into SCBU, with a neonatal mortality rate of 22.6%. Complications of prematurity 78 (36.7%), severe birth asphyxia 63(29.6%) and neonatal sepsis 31(14.6%) are the leading causes of death with majority of death occurring in the first 24 hours of life 130(60.8%). Low birth weight [OR=2.59 (95% CI 1.84-3.54)], prematurity [OR=2.79 (95% CI 2.03-3.83)] and spontaneous vaginal deliveries [OR=1.85 (95% CI 1.32-2.60)] were positively associated with increased mortality. While Caesarean section as mode of delivery [OR=0.54 (95% CI 0.38-0.76)] and birth weight >2.5-4.0kg [OR=0.46 (95% CI 0.34-0.64)] significantly reduced neonatal mortality. Conclusion: Neonatal mortality rate is still unacceptably high, with complications of prematurity, severe birth asphyxia and neonatal sepsis contributing the highest percentage of poor outcome (death). Low birth weight, prematurity, and spontaneous vaginal deliveries were positively associated with increased mortality. Multidisciplinary measures aimed at reduction of neonatal morbidity and mortality such as improving the utilization of antenatal care services, quality of care at delivery, at the neonatal intensive care unit needs be strengthened.

Prevalence of Enterobacteria Species in Different Hospital Wards of a Tertiary Health Facility in Imo State, Nigeria

Aim: to assess the prevalence of Enterobacteria species in different hospital wards in a healthcare outfit in Imo State, Nigeria. Study Design: The randomized complete block sampling design was adopted for the study. Place and Duration of the Study: Sample: Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Aboh-Mbaise General Hospital, and Imo State Specialist Hospital. Between May to October, 2021. Methodology: Using Cochran formula, a total of 360 samples were collected for the study from bedpan, ward floor, bed cover, and staff gloves, at maternity, ICU, and surgical theatre wards. Sample were collected by swabbing the surfaces using sterile swab sticks soaked in saline water. Following standard microbiological procedures, which include bacteria culturing in MacConkey agar to select for Enterobacteria, subculturing on salmonella-shigella agar and cetrimide agar to obtain pure cultures of specific bacteria species; the samples were subjected to morphological, and biochemical characterization. The prevalence was determined and compared for significance (P = .05). Results: The investigation showed the presence of Escherichia coli (29%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.84%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.11%), and Shigella species (19.05%), in all the outfits investigated, with their percentage occurrences. The wards floor showed the highest number of Enterobacteria species (38.96%) while the staff gloves showed the least (9.96%). Based on the wards investigated, surgical theatre showed the highest prevalence rate (20.25±6.55) and ICU had the least prevalence rate (17.75±5.63). The prevalence pattern of Enterobacteria species were significantly (P = .01) dependent on the healthcare outfits. The prevalence pattern between the hospital wards was not significant (P = .59) and there was no significant interaction between the hospital wards and hospital equipment (P = .84). Conclusion: Enterobacteria species was present in the healthcare outfits (bed pan, ward floor, bed cover and staff gloves). Its prevalence is dependent on these hospital outfits but not influenced by the wards or the interaction between wards and hospital outfits.

Knowledge and Attitude of Men towards Prostate Cancer Screening. A Case Study of Men Attending Services in Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu

Introduction: The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge and attitude of men towards screening for prostate cancer in Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu. The study assessed the level of awareness of men on the risk factors of prostate cancer. This was done so as to ascertain the extent to which prostate cancer screening methods as provided by the health workers are accepted. This helped to show the attitudes towards screening for prostate cancer. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total sample of 120 men receiving screening services during the period of study were used. Questionnaire was used as the method for data collection. This was both administered and self-administered. Data were analyzed using frequency tables. Results: The findings revealed that majority of the men, 84 (70%) were aware of methods of prostate cancer screening while 36 (30%) were not aware. On the knowledge about preferred types of screening measures, majority of the respondents 108 (90%) identified PSA test while 12 (10%) had no preferred prostate cancer method. The respondents’ attitude towards uptake of prostate cancer screening methods, showed a positive attitude as majority of the respondents had a mean score of 44.6 with an average mean score of 2.8. However, the knowledge on risk factors of prostate cancer showed low knowledge with a mean score of 21.6. Conclusion: The fact that a good number of the respondents had low knowledge on the risk factors for prostate cancer, presupposes the need for healthcare workers to health educate men on the risk factors of prostate cancer as well as the benefits of regular prostate cancer screening so as to increase prostate cancer screening uptake thereby, reduce the prevalence of prostate cancer.

Loss to Follow Up and Missing Clinical Information, a Challenge of Hiv Management Care In A Developing Country; a 14-Year Retrospective Analysis

Background: HIV/AIDS, a transmissible and deadly disease is now a chronic manageable disease. However, loss to follow-up (LTFU) is threatening its manageability by increasing the risk of drug resistance and transmission of resistant strains. Missing critical client information may not be random but predictive of LTFU. The study aims to determine the period prevalence, incidence rates, patterns, predictors and the predictive relationship of missing clinical information with LTFU in an HIV Treatment Program in a developing country. Methods: A 14-year retrospective analysis was conducted on routinely collected data validated using the Retention and Audit Determination Tool (RADET) from adult HIV clients who initiated treatment from 2008 to 2021 in the HIV treatment centre of Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. LTFU was established when a client had not been seen at the clinic for at least 90 days after the last missed scheduled clinic appointment. Kaplan Meier (KM) curves, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine the distributions of LTFU and predictors with the level of significance set at p≤ 0.05. Results: The 14-year period prevalence was 39.4% with an incidence rate of 13 new cases of loss to follow-up per 100 HIV clients per year. The majority of the HIV clients (59.3%) had at least one critical missing file information. LTFU were significantly more likely to occur in those aged less than 45 years old (aHR:1.38, p<0.001) who are males (aHR: 1.19, p=0.006), suspected or diagnosed with TB (aHR: 7.78, p<0.001) and weighing 70kg or less (aHR:1.79, p<0.001). Missing viral load information (aHR: 51.37 p<0.001) and missing HAART regimen line information (aHR: 8.44, p<0.001) were the most predictive of LTFU in the model. Conclusion: Though LTFU in HIV patients linked to treatment, appears to be reducing, it is still a significant threat in the management of HIV disease. Further reduction in LTFU could be achieved by institutionalizing biometric capture, improving HIV/TB services and training staff in HIV-enhanced adherence counselling services.

Prevalence of Measles Amongst Children (0 - 5 Years) Attending Imo State University Teaching Hospital (Imsuth), Orlu

Prevalence of Measles Amongst Children (0 - 5 Years) Attending Imo State University Teaching Hospital (Imsuth), Orlu

Assessment of Hand Washing Hygiene Practices in Prevention of Cross Infections Among Midwives in Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria

Assessment of Hand Washing Hygiene Practices in Prevention of Cross Infections Among Midwives in Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria

Sociodemographic determinants of outcomes of children presenting to the Children’s Emergency Room of a tertiary health institution in South Western Sahara

Introduction: In the past 4 decades, Under-5 mortality rates have remained high in south Western Sahara despite concerted efforts by healthcare providers. This is in contrast to significant gains made in other parts of the world. Objectives: To review the sociodemographic characteristics of children presenting to the Children’s Emergency Room (CHER) of Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) with a view in identifying those characteristics that may affect their outcome. Method: This is a prospective observational study of children presenting to the CHER of Imo State University Teaching Hospital located in Orlu, south west of the Sahara. Children were consecutively recruited over a period of 4 years into the study as they presented to the CHER. Pre-tested questionnaires were filled. Infants 2 months or less in age were excluded from the study. Data analysis was mainly descriptive using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version for Windows. Both discrete and continuous variables were measured. Test for significance was done using Chi square test. Results: Two thousand six hundred and forty nine children were recruited into the study of whom 234 (8.8%) died, 49 (1.9%) were discharged against medical advice, 47 (1.8%) were referred out, 1265 (47.8%) were transferred out and 1054 (39.8%) were discharged home. Conclusions: Majority of these children presented late to the emergency paediatric unit, usually after 1 week of illness. Malnutrition, prior treatment at home before presentation by non-doctors, low socioeconomic status and presenting to emergency room at night were significantly associated with poor outcome. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2019; 48(3): 233-239

Knowledge and Practice of Malaria Prevention/Control Among Pregnant Women in Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria

Knowledge and Practice of Malaria Prevention/Control Among Pregnant Women in Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria

Incident HIV infection and perinatal transmission rates among HIV negative pregnant women who retested in labor in a tertiary health centre, South East Nigeria.

To reduce the number of new HIV infections among children, retesting of HIV negative pregnant women in labor to identify new infections and instituting appropriate modified obstetrics practices (MOP) has a huge role to play. This study evaluated the HIV sero-positivity in labor among pregnant women who earlier tested negative in antenatal clinic, associated risk factors and the corresponding rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection. This was a prospective observational study where pregnant women in labor who had earlier tested HIV negative in the antenatal clinic at Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, Imo state, Nigeria, were retested. The infants of the women who seroconverted were tested for HIV infection at 6 weeks using Deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction (DNA PCR) by collecting Dried Blood Sample. This study was conducted from October 2015 to March 2016. Out of the 163 patients studied, 6 demonstrated HIV seroconversion giving a seroconversion rate of 3.7%. Deliveries from the seroconverted patients were 5 live births and 1 intrauterine fetal death. All the 5 live babies tested HIV negative at 6 weeks of age. Predictors of seroconversion in late pregnancy include spouse's HIV status and number of other sexual partners. Retesting of HIV negative pregnant women in labor to identify new infections and instituting appropriate modified obstetrics practices has a huge role to play in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV infection.

The Impact of Serodiscordance on the Affective, Sexual and Reproductive Life of HIV Patients Presenting to Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu, Imo State Nigeria

The Impact of Serodiscordance on the Affective, Sexual and Reproductive Life of HIV Patients Presenting to Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu, Imo State Nigeria

Assessment of Glycosuria and Bacterial Infections Amongst Prolonged – Healing Orthopaedic Wound Patients in Hospitals Within Imo State South Eastern Nigeria

Glycosuria and bacterial infections of patients with prolonged orthopaedic wounds and the antibiotics susceptibility of the bacteria associates was studied between October 2016 and May 2017. A total of 130 male and female respondents aged 18 to 50 years were selected for this study from out – patients and in – patients at Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, Federal Medical Centre Owerri and 4 major private hospitals in Orlu and Owerri. One hundred and twenty four (82.7%) respondents completed and returned their questionnaires and wound swab was collected from 101 (67.3%) respondents. Thirteen (12.9%) respondents had concomitant infections of 2 bacterial species each and 88 (87.1%) had single bacterial infection each. Five species of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli were isolated from the patients. A total of 114 bacterial isolates were obtained. The most prevalent isolate (32.7%) was Pseudomonas aeroginosa and the least prevalent bacteria (12.8%) was Streptococcus species. Out of 124 respondents that completed and returned their questionnaires, 66 (53.2%) had wounds caused by vehicle road accident, 40 (32.3%) had wounds caused by assault / domestic violence and 16 (12.9%) had wounds caused by burn. The antibiotic susceptibility of the test isolates showed that ciprofloxacin (ciproxin) exhibited the highest growth inhibitory effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli. Nitrofurantoin did not exhibit any growth inhibitory effect on the test isolates except one strain of Escherichia coli. Ampiclox and Augmentin did not exhibit any growth inhibitory effect on Streptococcus species. Augmentin exhibited the lowest growth inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa while Nitrofurantoin exhibited the lowest on Escherichia coli. Urine analysis of the patients showed that 54 (53.5%) out of 101 patients examined had glucose in their urine. Comparative analysis of the data showed that prevalence of long – healing orthopaedic wounds was higher amongst patients with glucose in their urine than those without glucose in their urine. This study has shown that microbial infections which complicate and contribute immensely to long time taken for orthopaedic wounds to heal are treatable with conventional antibiotics available in Nigerian markets and used in Nigerian hospitals.

Morbidity and Mortality Pattern of Post Neonatal Admissions into the Children Emergency Room of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, South East Nigeria

Morbidity and Mortality Pattern of Post Neonatal Admissions into the Children Emergency Room of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, South East Nigeria

Prevalence and Socio-demographic Determinants of Depression among Patients Attending HIV/AIDS Clinic in a Teaching Hospital in Imo State, Nigeria

Background: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric complications associated with HIV disease. In Nigeria depression has been found to be five times more common among People Living with HIV AIDS (PLWHA) than in apparently healthy populations. Aim: To assess the prevalence, socio-demographic determinants and phenomenology of depressive disorder among HIV patients attending HIV clinic in Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. Methodology: This we did through a cross-sectional descriptive survey, carried out on 271 patients aged 18years and above receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART). We used Patient Health Questionnaire 9 to assess depressive disorder. The associations between depressive disorder and socio-demographic profiles among the genders were explored. Results: About 39.1% of the participants were found to be depressed, out of which 24.5% were mildly depressed, 50% moderately depressed and 24.5% severely depressed. More female participants, (28.0%) were found to be depressed than their male counterparts, (11.1%) although this difference was not statistically significant, (χ2=0.21, p=0.65). The rate (χ²=4.14, p=0.04) and severity (χ2=8.64, p=0.04) of concentration impairment was significantly higher in females compared to males. Conclusion: We concluded that the relatively high prevalence of depressive disorder among attendees at the HIV/AIDS clinic underscores the need for routine depression screening in these patients.

Uterine fibroids: Experience with 100 myomectomies in Orlu, South East Nigeria

Background: Uterine fibroid, over the years, has remained a major gynaecological problem in Nigeria, and although various treatment modalities exist, abdominal myomectomy has remained the mainstay of treatment for those women who want to preserve their reproductive capacity. Most of them, however, present late when the fibroids are either huge or associated with complications. Aim: The aim of this study was to present experience with abdominal myomectomy vis-a-vis its outcome and also to show the symptoms at presentation. Methods: This is a study of the first hundred abdominal myomectomies carried out by the author in Imo State University Teaching Hospital and St. Damian's Catholic Mission Hospital both in Orlu, Imo state, Nigeria. The myomectomies were carried out between August 2007 and September 2013. Data were recorded in a pre-surgery-prepared pro forma administered by the author prospectively. The data were analysed using SPSS version 15 and the results presented in descriptive, tabular and graphical forms. Results: The age of the hundred women who had myomectomy ranged from 20 to 49 years. The most common symptoms these women presented with were menorrhagia (69%), abdominal mass (63%), dysmenorrhoea (33%) and infertility (33%). The sizes of the uterus on abdominal palpation ranged from not palpable (5%) to as much as 36 weeks gestation. The major myomectomy-associated complications in this study were blood transfusion rate of 86%, post-myomectomy pyrexia (44%), severe haemorrhage (25%) and post-myomectomy anaemia (24%). There was one mortality due to severe haemorrhage. Conclusion: Menorrhagia and abdominal mass are the chief symptoms of the fibroid. Severe haemorrhage still remains a major threat to successful abdominal myomectomy and efforts should be geared towards reducing this.

Epidemiology and Pattern of Osteoarthritis at Ogbaku, Imo State University Teaching Hospital Annex, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, Southeast, Nigeria

1 Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Anambra State University, Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. 4 Department of Human Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. 5 Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imo State university, Teaching Hospital, Orlu campus, Imo State, Nigeria.

Assessment of level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients at Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Nigeria

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not a cure for human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), but rather it is used for optimal suppression of the viral load to an undetectable serum level, hence it remains a palliative measure to improve the quality of life and longevity by impeding the rate of disease progression. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the level of adherence, the prevailing contributory factors to adherence as well as nonadherence of HIV/AIDS patients to ART at Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of HIV/AIDS patients receiving anti-retroviral drugs at IMSUTH, Orlu. It was carried out using interviewer - administered questionnaire involving 400 respondents. The collected data was analyzed manually using electronic calculator and results were presented in frequency tables. Results: The result showed a high level of adherence of HIV/AIDS patients to anti-retroviral drugs as 383 (96.2%) were adherent, while 15 (3.8%) were not adherent. Some reasons given for nonadherence to treatment were self-discouragement, toxicity of the drugs especially skin rashes, attitude of health workers, stigma, and distance to the hospital hence they may not be able to access their medications as and at when due. Conclusion: There is a significant high level of adherence of HIV/AIDS patients to ART at IMSUTH, Orlu, probably due to their high level of formal education as majority of the respondents 333 (83.0%) achieved at least a secondary level of education.

The Prevalence and Presentation Pattern of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients at Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu and Imo State Specialist Hospital (IMSSH) Umuguma Owerri (A 10-Year Retrospective Study: 1st November 2004 to 31st October 2013)

Background: The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus imposes great burden on health worldwide. The burden is enormous in terms of pressure on existing human and material health resources. Diabetes is insidious in onset and has many patterns of presentation which often militates against early detection and diagnosis. Thus most patients present late with the exacerbation of symptoms and complications. Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of presentation of diabetes mellitus among patients attending Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu and Imo State Specialist Hospital (IMSSH) Umuguma Owerri, both in Imo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A retrospective study of the prevalence and pattern of presentation of diabetes mellitus. A total of 2028 patients had diabetes mellitus. Using data collection proforma, information relating to their pattern of presentation such as symptoms and complications, as well as their sociodemography was collected from the case folders. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17 and results presented in frequency tables and pie charts. Result: A total of 18,912 patients attended the designated hospitals within the period under review, out of which 2028 were diabetic giving a prevalence of 107.2 per 1000 patients (10.7%). Out of these 2028 diabetic patients studied, 75% (1521) had onset of the diseases at the age of 40 years and above, while the remaining 25% (507) had the onset of the diseases before the age of 40 years. The most affected group was in the age range of 51 - 60 years, 585 (28.7%), while the least affected age group was 1 - 10 years, 6 (0.31%). The commonest symptom at presentation was polyuria 2028 (100%), followed closely by polydypsia 1939 (95.6%), while the least presenting symptoms were vaginal discharge and erectile dysfunction 27 (1.35%) respectively. Overall, the symptoms at presentation were polyuria, polydysia, weight loss, fever, blurred vision, paraesthesia, vaginal discharge, erectile dysfunction etc. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness with many patterns of presentation ranging from the classical symptoms of polyuria, polydysia, polyphagia and weight loss to the less common ones. The study highlights the need for early detection of the condition through appropriate health information dissemination and institution of prompt and adequate treatment.

Prevalence and Severity of Malaria Parasitemia among Children Requiring Emergency Blood Transfusion in a Tertiary Hospital in Imo State, Nigeria.

Background:Malaria is one of the most serious and complex health problems in Sub Saharan Africa. Anemia in Children with malaria may require blood transfusion and has been be associated with high mortality rates.Aim:The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, pattern, and severity of malaria parasitemia among children 6 months to 14 years old, requiring blood transfusion.Subjects and Methods:This is a cross-sectional study carried out at the children emergency unit of the Imo state University Teaching Hospital South East Nigeria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, Chicago Il, USAResults:A total of 409 children were recruited into the study. The overall rate of malaria parasitemia was 83.1% (340/409) lower in males 81.6% (228/276) than in females 86.3% (112/133). The peak of parasitemia is similar in both sexes (5-9 years). Most of the children had medium levels of parasitemia, which decreased with increasing age. The proportion of children transfused also decreased with increasing age. At medium and high levels of parasitemia; in children below 5 years, 92.8% (132/142) were transfused while in 5 years and above only 79.6% (39/49) of the children were transfused. At medium level parasitemia the proportion of children transfused was significantly higher than those not transfused (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Most children 6 months to 14 years with medium level of parasitemia may require blood transfusion. Targeted measures toward primary prevention of malaria in children should be intensified as this will not only reduce morbidity and mortality of malaria, but will reduce the economic burden of the disease in Semi-rural and rural dwellers in Sub Saharan Africa.

Learning mode preferences of obstetrics and gynaecology students of Imo State University, Owerri

Background:Medical students are required to acquire a lot of knowledge during their course. This information is delivered via many teaching modes. It is desirable to determine which of these modes are most effective in transferring knowledge.Method:This was a questionnaire study of sixty one students doing their obstetrics and gynaecology rotation in Imo state University Teaching hospital Orlu.Results:Only 58 of the students returned the questionnaires. The mean age of the students was 27.4+/-2.43 and they had spent between eight and nine years. Clinics contributed most (26.8%) to the knowledge acquired by students. It was followed by ward rounds and ,books 14.3% each, resident doctors 13% and lectures 12.9%. Internet and theater sessions contributed very little. Although many deficiencies were identified 56 (96.6%) of the students scored the posting at least satisfactory.Conclusion:There is a need to place more emphasis on clinics and ward rounds which are considered very effective by the students. The relatively ineffective lectures could be improved by making all medical teachers undergo teaching courses. Activities like theater sessions which consume a lot of time but impart very little knowledge should be modified while cheaper internet facilities should be provided.

Prevalence and antibiogram of multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus among pregnant women attending ante-natal clinics in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) is on the rise. The prevalence and antibiogram of MDR Staphylococcus Aureus among pregnant women attending Ante-Natal Clinics in Owerri, Imo State is being studied. Aim and Objective: The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) among pregnant women was studied using urine and High Vaginal Swab(HVS) from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Materials and Methods: The pregnant women attending at three hospitals; Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu and General Hospital Okigwe. A total of 1, 197 (619 Urine and 578 HVS) samples were used. Samples were analysed in the Microbiology Laboratories of the different hospitals, within thirty minutes of collection. Results: The results revealed that 121 (19.5%) of the Urine samples haboured S.aureus while 87 (15.1%) of the HVS were positive (mean: 17.4%). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that 126 ( 60.5%) of the S.aureus isolated from both the Urine and HVS samples across the state were multidrug resistant . The predominant MAR index was 0.27 as 33.2% of isolates were resistant to 3 / 11 of antibiotics tested while the least 0.64 (7/11) was shown by 0.01% of the isolates. Generally, the highest resistance was to Ceftriazone (63.8%), followed by Gentamicin (63.0%), while Ciprofloxacin gave the highest susceptibility (95.2% ) followed by Ofloxacin (92.3%). Questionnaires revealed that 75.7% (87), 72.9%(43) and 76.5% (26) (mean: 75%) that tested positive for the organism at FMC Owerri, IMSUTH Orlu and General Hospital Okigwe respectively were asymptomatic. Result analysis revealed a significant prevalence of resistant S.aureus among these outpatients who were mostly asymptomatic and unsuspecting carriers. Conclusion: The need for routine surveillance of pregnant women for S.aureus to reduce maternal and child morbidity caused by the organism has therefore been revealed by this study. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v4i3.6221 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 4(2013) 8-14