Women Believes and Practice toward Cesarean Section Wound Healing

Abstract

This study aimed to determine women believes and practices toward cesarean section wound healing. Design: Descriptive, cross sectional analytical design. Setting: This study was conducted at El Kasr-EL Aini, Cairo University maternity hospitals, at antenatal clinics and postpartum units. Sample: A total of 400 women who had undergone an uncomplicated cesarean section, with singleton low risk pregnancy were invited to participate in the study. Our inclusion criteria were; age ranged between 18-35 years old, read and write, no previous surgery in uterus other than cesarean section. Our exclusion criteria were any risk factors that lead to poor wound healing. Tools:   Data were collected utilized a structured questionnaire. Intervention: Women who met the inclusion criteria were interviewed to get the baseline data as well as identifying their perception and their practice for cesarean section wound. Results: Most of women believed that poor healing in one cesarean section (C.S) means poor healing in the subsequent C.S (84.5%), wound healing depends on sterilization of operation's equipment (100.0%), antibiotics before surgery (87.5%) and good nutrition (86.0%). Further, women used to receive high protein diet (90.5%), and multi-vitamins to improve wound healing (80.2%).  Ensured that keep the wound away from water (82.5%) and covered it with dressing (60.0%) protect it from infection. While fifty eight point eight percent apply corn starch water for wound’s inflammation if present. Conclusion & recommendation: There are few believes and practices related to cesarean wound healing need to be corrected. Women need preparation though mother classes conducted during antenatal period, after operation and before discharge. Information should directed to woman’s needs and include both routine and additional care required where there is a deviation from normal recovery.

Key Words: Cesarean section, believes, practice, and wound healing.