Sepsis among postpartum mothers aged 15-35 years admitted to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.

Background: Postpartum (puerperal) sepsis is a life-threatening infection of the genital tract occurring between childbirth and 42 days postpartum. This study assesses the factors contributing to sepsis among postpartum mothers aged 15-35 years at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out to collect data through quantitative approaches to capture complementary data of the topic at a given point of time without a follow up of 50 participants using convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized, structured interviewer-administered questionnaires following informed consent. Results: Findings showed that the majority of the participants, 26(52%), were aged between 20-25 years, while the least common age group was 30-35 years, 4(8%). Socio-economically, the most affected mothers are those living in rural areas, with over 50% travelling long distances to find the hospital for help and antenatal care. Moreover, (84%) use boda-boda as their primary means of traveling to health facilities, while (56%) have their husbands as their primary decision-makers regarding their health care seeking. Further, the majority of the group 40(80%) had an emergency cesarean, and 30(60%) reported to have waited between 30 minutes to 2hours to be seen by a health care provider upon arrival at the hospital. Conclusion: Residence in rural areas predisposes economically challenged mothers to limited access to emergency care when needed. In addition, long distances delay the delivery of care, thus predisposing mothers to sepsis in the long run. Recommendation: Access to healthcare services in rural areas should be improved, ensuring health centers have enough essential drugs, and strengthening health education for mothers on wound care and hygiene. Health workers need to improve health education for mothers on postpartum care, hygiene, wound care, and proper use of medication, especially for mothers with low levels of education.