International Journal of Academic and Applied Research (IJAAR)   Year: 2024 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 16-24 Knowledge and practice towards prevention of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at Bwindi Community Hospital. Download PDF Namanya Desire, Nahabwe Haven, Kamugisha Robert, Kasudha Daniel Abstract: Puerperal sepsis is a major cause of preventable maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Compliance to prevention practices of puerperal sepsis is crucial to avert infections that result in long term disabilities, as well as maternal deaths. Although interventions have been put in place by Ministry of Health Uganda, women still die of puerperal sepsis. The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge and practice towards prevention of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at Bwindi community Hospital. A cross sectional descriptive study design using convenient sampling procedure was used to select 73 participants and an interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analysed using Microsoft excel, presented in figures and tables. Results found that 45.2% of the study participants had poor knowledge regarding prevention of puerperal sepsis (score of < 50%). With respect to practice, 56.2% of respondents had poor practice towards prevention of puerperal sepsis i.e., had an average practice score of < 60%. Generally, respondents' knowledge and practice regarding prevention of puerperal sepsis were poor. Therefore, much emphasis should be put on promoting awareness of women on prevention of puerperal sepsis mainly on signs and symptoms, risk factors, preventive measures and when to resume sex after birth as part of the antenatal and post-partum health education package.