KNOWLEDGE REGARDING PREVENTION OF PUERPERAL INFECTION AMONG PRIMIGRAVIDA MOTHERS

Abstract

Introduction: Puerperal infection, also known as postpartum infection, is a bacterial
infection that can occur in the genital tract after childbirth or during the postpartum period.
Puerperal infection encompasses an infectious condition within the reproductive tract,
extending from the rupture of membranes through labor and up to 42 days after childbirth.
Material and Methods: An exploratory research design with a quantitative approach was
adopted to assess the knowledge of primigravida mothers regarding the prevention of
puerperal infection. The present study was conducted at selected hospitals, Hoshiarpur,
Punjab. A total of 60 primigravida mothers were involved using purposive sampling
techniques. Data were collected through interviews, employing socio-demographic profile
and self-structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge of preventing puerperal infection.
Results: Out of the 60 samples, 41.7% had average knowledge where as 38.3% subjects had
good knowledge followed by 15% were having excellent knowledge and only 5% subjects
had poor knowledge. Additionally, education, type of family, place of residence and source of
information had significant association with knowledge.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes varying levels of knowledge among first-time mothers,
highlighting strengths and areas needing intervention. Addressing socio-demographic factors
and customizing educational initiatives can improve maternal healthcare, benefitting both
mothers and infants. Continued research and interventions are vital for advancing maternal
health practices in the region.