Prevalence and Factors Associated With Perineal Wound Infection in Postpartum Mothers After Vaginal Delivery: A Retrospective Analytical Study in a Secondary Hospital
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Abstract
Objective: To determine the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with perineal wound infection in postpartum mothers following vaginal delivery. Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted using medical records of postpartum mothers who delivered vaginally at a secondary hospital between January 2021 and June 2024. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, and multiple logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 294 postpartum mothers, the prevalence of perineal wound infection was 2.38% (95% CI: 0.96–4.84). Factors significantly associated with infection included third-degree perineal tear (Adjusted OR = 14.90; 95% CI: 1.44–154.20; p = 0.01), blood loss greater than 500 mL (Adjusted OR = 11.50; 95% CI: 2.31–57.30; p < 0.001), and suturing time ≥ 40 minutes (Adjusted OR = 9.20; 95% CI: 1.87–45.30; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Perineal wound infection after vaginal delivery has a low prevalence but remains a significant complication. The most strongly associated factor was third-degree perineal tear, followed by blood loss greater than 500 mL and prolonged suturing time. Therefore, close monitoring of high-risk mothers is recommended, along with improvements in clinical care to reduce blood loss and suturing time, thereby preventing infection.
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