Infection Control Practices Associated with Puerperal Sepsis in Harare City Maternity Units

Abstract

The time of childbirth are responsible for about ten percent of maternal deaths and contribute to severe morbidity as well as long-term disability among many women. Such infections are also termed puerperal sepsis and these are more prevalent in low to medium countries. Puerperal sepsis is preventable by simple and low cost solutions such as handwashing at the time of delivery, damp dusting and use of sterile equipment. The Harare City health department recorded puerperal sepsis as the third cause of maternal mortality, accounting for 18.1% of all maternal deaths recorded for the year 2016. The study sought to determine infection prevention and control practices associated with puerperal sepsis in Harare City maternity units. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed and data was purposively collected from 84 midwives from 12 polyclinics. Observational walks through visits were carried out to solicit infection control practices and availability of relevant inventory before recording on the checklist. Nurses had above average knowledge on infection and prevention control, however this did not translate to good infection and prevention control practices. The majority of midwives (83%) had not attend infection prevention and control trainings during the previous year and there was a major challenge of stock-outs of basic consumables and equipment such as surgical gloves and elbow taps.