Abstract

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.