Prevalence and Factors Associated with Puerperal Sepsis among Women Attending the Postnatal Ward at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital

Puerperal sepsis is a widespread issue globally, causing maternal health complications across hospital maternity wards. Typically, around 4-6% of hospital-admitted patients within maternity wards contract clinical infections, including sepsis. The overarching aim of this study was to identify the contributing factors to puerperal sepsis among postnatal mothers in the maternity ward at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. Conducted as a cross-sectional investigation, questionnaires were distributed to mothers in the maternity ward for selfcompletion. All postnatal mothers who delivered at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital and developed puerperal sepsis were included in the study. Quantitative data was manually analyzed using Microsoft Excel, summarized through averages and percentages, and presented via tables, graphs, and pie charts. The study uncovered that the prevalence of puerperal sepsis at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital stands at 22.4%. Key findings include that the majority of respondents were multiparous (80.6%), with 49.4% delivering at the hospital, 41.7% at home, and 8.8% with the assistance of a traditional birth attendant. Furthermore, 64.7% had spontaneous vaginal deliveries, while 35.3% underwent cesarean sections. Additionally, 58.8% were assisted by doctors, and 41.2% were assisted by midwives/nurses. Of note, 57.6% experienced normal labor duration, while 42.4% endured prolonged labor, and 12.9% encountered antepartum hemorrhage. The prevalence of puerperal sepsis was strongly associated with factors such as parity, mode of delivery, place of delivery, duration of labor, and concurrent medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and HIV infection. Recommendations stemming from these findings emphasize collaborative efforts between the government (particularly the Ministry of Health) and hospitals to alleviate costs for mothers during critical health situations. Moreover, aseptic techniques during delivery assistance should be rigorously practiced to mitigate the incidence of puerperal sepsis. Keywords: Puerperal sepsis, Clinical infection, Patients, Postnatal mothers, Caesarean section, Vaginal delivery.