Knowledge, attitude, and practices among postnatal mothers towards puerperal sepsis at Kambuga Hospital, Kanungu district. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background.

The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices among postnatal mothers towards puerperal sepsis at Kambuga Hospital, Kanungu District.

 Methodology.

A descriptive cross-sectional study that utilized quantitative methods of data collection was conducted at Kambuga Hospital, Kanungu District. Postnatal women were selected randomly. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and arranged in the form of tables, pie-charts, and graphs.

 Results

Results showed that 18(60%) of respondents were aged 26 to 35 years, and 27(90%) were married.  All, 30(100.0%) had ever heard of puerperal sepsis, 29(96.7%) knew some of the signs and symptoms of puerperal sepsis, and 27(90%) knew how to prevent puerperal sepsis. However, all 30(100.0%) agreed that puerperal sepsis is a life-threatening condition, 21(70%) had ever been screened for puerperal sepsis, although 23(76.7%) did not attend all recommended antenatal sessions, and 19(63.3%) said they leave puerperal sepsis to heal alone after realizing they have it.

 Conclusion.

The study established that there are poor practices among postnatal mothers towards puerperal sepsis, mostly due to their poor attitudes towards puerperal sepsis, despite them having good knowledge of the prevention, causes, and complications of puerperal sepsis.

 Recommendation.

The management of Kambuga Hospital, Kanungu District, should provide sufficient sensitization to pregnant and post-partum mothers about the risks of puerperal sepsis, as well as conduct outreaches to the mothers in their home areas about the dangers of poor practices regarding puerperal sepsis.