Prevalence and Factors Associated with Postpartum Infections among Mothers Attending Immunization Service at Health Centers of Nyanza District, Rwanda

Abstract

Postpartum infections are life-threatening conditions leading to 10% of maternal deaths worldwide; in sub-Saharan Africa, the estimated prevalence of postpartum infections is 11.5%. In Rwanda maternal sepsis contribute up to 56% of all maternal complications, where 5% of them die and most cases come from rural areas. In line with the above-mentioned background, this research aimed to find out the prevalence and factors contributing to postpartum infections in Nyanza District/ Rwanda. This study employed a cross-sectional design, with participants being mothers attending immunization services at health centers in Nyanza district. A sample size of 384 was determined for all health centers, with systematic sampling used to select individual participants. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and a review of medical records. A case of postpartum infection was identified if self-reported signs or symptoms were also documented in the participant's medical records. Data analysis was conducted using IBM® SPSS 21.