Maternal factors influencing postnatal hygiene practices among mothers in the postnatal ward, Bukomero Health Centre IV, Kiboga District. A cross-sectional study.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Maternal factors such as age, education level, parity, knowledge, cultural beliefs, and previous childbirth experience can significantly influence mothers’ adherence to recommended postnatal hygiene practices. This study aims to examine the Maternal factors influencing postnatal hygiene practices among mothers in the postnatal ward, Bukomero Health Centre IV. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design that involved 50 respondents who were selected using a simple random method was used. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and they were analysed and presented in tables, graphs, and pie charts using Microsoft Excel 2022. Results: The findings showed that the majority of respondents, 21 (42%), were aged 25–34 years, while the fewest, 7 (14%), were aged above 44 years. 26 (52%) had attained primary education, whereas 4 (8%) had no formal education. 37 (74%) were married, while 2 (4%) were divorced. 36 (72%) were from the village, compared with 14 (28%) from the town. In relation to antenatal care attendance, 31 (62%) had attended 1–3 antenatal visits, while 8 (16%) had not attended antenatal care. Regarding parity, the majority, 38 (76%), had given birth two to five times, whereas 3 (6%) had given birth more than five times. Concerning comfort during the postnatal period, most respondents, 28 (56%), reported feeling uncomfortable, while 8 (16%) reported being very comfortable. The majority, 44 (88%), identified proper cleaning of the perineum as a component of postnatal hygiene, while only 4 (8%) mentioned handwashing. Furthermore, most respondents, 41 (82%), reported that they sometimes forgot to follow the recommended postnatal hygiene practices, whereas only 4 (8%) reported that they never forgot. Conclusion Maternal factors such as knowledge, education, parity, antenatal attendance, comfort, and forgetfulness influenced postnatal hygiene practices. Recommendation Health workers should strengthen continuous health education and counselling on proper postnatal hygiene during antenatal and postnatal visits.
DOI: 10.51168/4d8ajq07
Institution: Kampala University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7225201898