Perception of Mothers on Factors Contributing to Puerperal Sepsis in Selected Government Hospital in Lagos State

Abstract

Puerperal sepsis is a bacterial infection of the genitourinary tract that occurs after delivery or a miscarriage. In a particular Lagos State government hospital, the study examined how mothers felt about the causes of puerperal sepsis. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data for the cross-sectional design of the study. The mothers' questionnaires, numbering 210 altogether, were collected and analysed with SPSS 22.0. Results indicated that whereas 42.4% of women had a high awareness of puerperal sepsis, 59.0% were unaware of it. Sixty-three percent of respondents also identified low levels of education, ignorance, and living in rural areas as important reasons. In addition, 89% found that the manner of birth was a factor, and 87.1% found that infrequent antenatal clinic attendance was a factor. Low immunity was cited by 64.3% of respondents, whereas 96% cited the location of birth as a contributor to puerperal sepsis. All p-values for tests of correlation between the two sets of variables (factors and perception) were significantly lower than 0.05. Overall, most mothers only had a hazy understanding of what puerperal sepsis entailed. The stigma surrounding puerperal sepsis strongly correlates with socioeconomic standing. Puerperal sepsis awareness was significantly influenced by factors such as birth location, delivery method, and lack of antenatal clinic attendance. Puerperal sepsis risk variables were significantly correlated with mothers' reports of experiencing the condition. The perception of puerperal sepsis among mothers continues to be low; thus, the obstetrics and gynaecological healthcare system should make it a matter of utmost importance to teach pregnant women about it so that their perception about it would have improved before to delivery. Puerperal sepsis is an infection that occurs after childbirth and can lead to serious complications.