KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF POST OPERATIVE MOTHERS BETWEEN 25-30YEARS TOWARDS CESAREAN SECTION INCISION CARE AT KAPCHORWA HOSPITAL, KAPCHORWA DISTRICT

Abstract

Introduction

Caesarean section is a life-saving surgical intervention for women and their newborns though its recent overutilization is a global public health concern on average. There is a 4.4% annual rise in cesarean section rates worldwide, with Asian countries having the second highest annual increase during the period 1990–2014. Adequate and practiced knowledge about incision care is vital for preventing infections and promoting optimal healing following a cesarean section.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge and practices of post-operative mothers towards cesarean section incision care at Kapchorwa Hospital

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge and practices of post-operative mothers towards cesarean section incision care at Kapchorwa Hospital, Kapchorwa District. Data was collected using structured questionnaires designed in-house. The data captured in the questionnaires were entered in Microsoft Excel from where it was exported to a statistical package for social scientists for analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data to process categorical data which were presented in frequency and percentage distributions.

Results

In the present study, the majority (48.0%) of the study participants were aged 21-30 years, married (76.0%), had at least secondary education(42.0%), and were rural dwellers(80.0%).In this study, only 19(38.0%) had adequate knowledge about cesarean section incision care. This study also showed that 11(22.0%) of the study had adequate practice while 39(78.0%) had inadequate practice about cesarean section incision site care.

Conclusion

Post-operative mothers have inadequate knowledge and practice about cesarean section incision site care.

Recommendation

Policymakers need to package health education sessions at all levels of maternal care, implement a well-defined organized post-cesarean section incision care program, and further research is recommended to find out knowledge and practices in different regions.