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sample cJ9scr ipt i on ; The characteristics of the study sample
were described by analysis of baseline data which Lnc.l uded r
(i) socia-demographic variables such as age, ecucecten, ethnic
origin and parity, (ii) antenatal experiences which included
antenatal care and identified pregnancy risk factors , (iii)
labour experiences which included variables such as duration
of labour, occurring campI ications and the pregnancy outcomes.
Descriptive statistical measures such as frequencies,
means and standard deviations were used to describe theso data
and they are presented in tables, and bar and pie charts .
Morbidity as s e s s me nt : The data consisted of two parts (1) the
interview and (2) the examination findings. Interview data
were recorded mostly as categorical variables and were
analyzed by non -parametric descriptive statistics using
frequencies and proportions for specific complaints. These
data were also presented by simple descriptive graphics and
tables .
Examination findings, on the other hand, consisted of
both quantitative and qualitative variables and data analysis
was directed mainly at describing the frequency of abnormal
clinical findings and of the specific clinical disease
conditions of interest to the eeudy, The incidence rates for
overall morbidity and for the specific conditions such as
anaemia, upper and lower genital trac.t infections, breast