High rate of post caesarean section infection in maternity ward in Rwamagana Provincial Hospital

Abstract

Background Post caesarean infection occurs after delivery by caesarean section. It is an important problem that increases maternal morbidity, mortality, cost and length of stay in the hospital. Post caesarean section infection occurs when pathogenic organisms multiply in a wound at the site of caesarean section giving rise to local signs and symptoms such as heat, redness, pain and swelling. In more serious cases, post caesarean section infection is accompanied with systemic signs of fever or a raised white blood cell count. Infection in the surgical wound may prevent healing taking place and sometimes it may cause an abscess formation in the deeper tissues. There are three types of surgical site infections: superficial, space and organ involvement. According to Rwamagana Hospital data of the year 2015, it was observed that PCSI rate was 5.1%. The aim of this study was to reduce post PCSI rate in the maternity ward of Rwamagana Provincial Hospital from 5.1% to 3.1% from December 2016 to March 2017. Methodology A pre and post intervention design was used in this project to increase the awareness of wound dressing through compliance with the policies and procedures and this helped to decrease the rate of post caesarean section infection. Results The impact of good wound dressing reduced post caesarean section infection rate. Before the intervention, the rate of caesarean section infection was 5.1% then, after intervention there was a significant decrease of post caesarean section site infections from 5.1% to 2.3% Conclusion The intervention successfully reduced the rate of post caesarean section infection from 5.1% to 2.3%. Further research is recommended to work on other risk factors such as uncleaned bed, work overload, staff motivation, behaviour and attitude of staff.