Effectiveness of Self Instructional Module Regarding Prevention of Puerperal Sepsis Related to Practice of the Post Natal Mothers

Puerperium is the period following childbirth during which the bodies tissues, specially the pelvic organs revert back approximately to the pre pregnant state both anatomically and physiologically. Puerperium begins as soon as the placenta is expelled and lasts for approximately 6 weeks when the uterus becomes regressed almost to the non-pregnant size² (Dutta. D.C, 1997).

Pregnancy and childbirth are normal physiological process and outcomes of the pregnancies are mostly good. However, a few pregnancies and childbirth expose mothers at risk. Puerperal sepsis or pyrexia is one of the risks, which will develop after delivery, which is often, and unpredictable. Puerperal pyrexia or infection pregnant women need obstetric care to manage this complication¹. (Gulani. K. K, 2005).

To assess the existing knowledge related to practice of post natal mothers regarding prevention of puerperal sepsis.

To assess the post test knowledge related to practice of postnatal mothers regarding prevention of puerperal sepsis.

To compare the pre and post test of knowledge scores related to practice of postnatal mothers regarding prevention of puerperal sepsis.

To find out the association between the knowledge related to practice score of postnatal mothers after intervention of SIM with their selected demographic variables.

Pretest was conducted to the postnatal mothers who were in postnatal ward at index medical college hospital, Indore by using closed ended questionnaire to assess the knowledge on practice on prevention of puerperal sepsis. The researcher introduced himself and explained the purpose of his study and then distributed the questionnaire to the mothers and after 30 minutes the questionnaire was collected together.

Post-test was administered for the samples by using closed ended questionnaire after seven days of implementation of SIM.

Prior to implementation of SIM mothers had poor knowledge (35.63%) regarding meaning, factors, care during puerperium and complication. After implementation of SIM mothers had good knowledge (75.84%) regarding prevention of puerperal sepsis and difference in mean percentage was 40.21% this shows the effectiveness of SIM.

Highly significant difference was found between pre test and post test knowledge related to practice scores of mothers in all areas of prevention of puerperal sepsis. There was significant association between knowledge related to practice with demographic variables such as occupation and type of family.