PUERPERAL SEPSIS AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS AT MUKONO GENERAL HOSPITAL, MUKONO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction: 

This study was on factors associated with puerperal sepsis among postnatal mothers at Mukono General Hospital, Mukono District. It was guided by two specific objectives: assess the prevalence, individual-related factors, and health facility-related factors associated with puerperal sepsis among postnatal mothers at Mukono General Hospital, Mukono District.

Methodology: 

This study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design and employed quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches. The study was carried out at Mukono General Hospital, Mukono District. The study population for this study comprised postpartum mothers with puerperal sepsis at Mukono General Hospital, Mukono District. The sample size of 30 postpartum mothers with puerperal sepsis who participated in this study was sampled using a simple random sampling procedure. The questionnaire was used for data collection and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019.  

 Results:

The study established that the socio-demographic characteristics that were associated with puerperal sepsis were age between 18 – 25 years (57%), rural residence (63%), low levels of education (50%); Furthermore individual related factors included utilization of herbal medicine (63%), tears during delivery (53%), resumption of sexual intercourse before 7 days of peuperium (53%); Finally health facility related factors included lack of follow up services during peuperium (60%), negative attitude of health workers (63%). 

Conclusion: 

The study established that the socio-demographic characteristics that were associated with puerperal sepsis were age between 18 – 25 years, rural residence, and low levels of education; furthermore, individual-related factors included utilization of herbal medicine, tears during delivery, resumption of sexual intercourse before 7 days of puerperium; Finally, health facility related factors included lack of follow up services during puerperium, negative attitude of health workers.

Recommendation: 

Health workers should provide follow-up services to postnatal mothers after delivery.

Health facilities should conduct training to improve the attitude of health workers to postnatal mothers.