Knowledge and Associated Factors on Episiotomy Care among Postnatal Mothers in Teaching Hospital Mahamodara

Abstract

Background: Episiotomy is a common surgical procedure to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth in Sri Lanka. For post-natal mothers, the postpartum period is critical, and careful attention, understanding of episiotomy care, and general well-being are essential for a better recovery and to prevent further post-partum complications. Objective: To assess the knowledge and associated factors regarding episiotomy care among postnatal mothers in Teaching Hospital Mahamodara (THM) Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among post-natal mothers with episiotomy who are in post-natal wards in THM. Using non-probability convenience sampling method, 206 mothers were recruited and an interviewer-administered, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. The descriptive statistics and Chi- squared test were applied to analyse the data using the SPSS version 25.0. Results: The majority of mothers (n=123, 59.7%) were between 26-35 years age group. A considerable proportion of mothers responded as educated up to GCE O/L (n=83, 40.3%). The majority of mothers (n=143, 69.3%) had poor knowledge regarding episiotomy care. The larger proportion of mothers (n=159, 77.2%) had poor knowledge regarding the major symptoms of an infected episiotomy. Among them, 78.6% (n=162) were not aware of the suggested period to avoid sexual activity after episiotomy incision. The knowledge regarding episiotomy care was significantly associated with maternal age (χ2=8.667, p=0.034) and educational status of the mother (χ2=9.519, p=0.049). Conclusions: There are significant gaps in lack of knowledge regarding episiotomy care among post-natal mothers in THM. Therefore, planning maternal awareness sessions during the antenatal period will help to increase the maternal knowledge of episiotomy care to enhance the quality of life of the mothers. Keywords: Episiotomy, Knowledge, Post-natal mothers