Knowledge,Attitude And Practices Of Midwives Towards The Causes Of Puerperal Sepsis Among Mothers In St Monica Health Center III, Mpigi

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction and background; Globally, puerperal sepsis remains a big challenge especially in the least developed where hygiene is poor. Sepsis complicates obstetric conditions and risks the lives of numerous mother (Sandrock and Albertson, 2010). It is an important public health problem in developing countries where it is the third biggest cause of maternal mortality after haemorrhage and anaemia and one of the commonest causes of mortality among post-natal mothers (Dellinger et al, 2008). This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and management practices of midwives towards the causes of puerperal sepsis among post-operative mothers in Monica Health Center IIIMpigi district Methods and design; 50 participants (midwives) were enrolled. It was an observational cross-sectional study employing both quantitative and semi qualitative approaches. Data collected was coded, cleaned, edited, and entered into the computer for analysis using the SPSS version 12.0 software. Results; The study found the following on participants knowledge of how a mother with puerperal sepsis presents; 90%(45) with tender abdomen, 86%(45) with Pus discharge from the birth canal, 80%(40) with High fever above 38 degrees and Foul smell from the birth canal respectively. majority of the participants stated the following as the causes of puerperal sepsis; 86.0%(43) said poor hygiene, 88.0%(44) Use of native medicines, 76.0%(38) Poor diet and nutrition, 56%(28) said Low socioeconomic status while 44.0% said No, 84.0%(42) delivery from TBAs and lastly 58.0%(29). 84.0%(42) knew that puerperal sepsis can be spread from one mother to another while 16.0%(8) didn’t know. 84.0%(42) knew that puerperal sepsis can be spread from one mother to another while 16.0%(8) didn’t know. 58%(29) screened pregnant mother for sepsis every time they come for a visit to the health facility, 28%(14) screened once on every visit while 14% (7) never screen at all Conclusions; The study successfully showed that midwives have adequate knowledge of puerperal sepsis, show good attitude towards mothers with sepsis and employ proper practices for prevention and care for mothers with sepsis. Recommendations; Midwives continue to sensitize mothers regularly on the importance of post-delivery hygiene to prevent sepsis. The midwives continue; to practice safe and highly hygienic delivery processes.