Risk factors of puerperal sepsis in Alexandria

Puerperal infections are an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing nations. Investigators have noted several risk factors for developing puerperal sepsis. However, the relative importance of these risk factors varies and has to be determined for each setting. Therefore the aim of the present work was to determine the risk factors for puerperal sepsis in Alexandria, Egypt. A case-control design was used to study the risk factors of puerperal sepsis in Alexandria. The study included 160 puerperal sepsis cases and 160 controls. Puerperal sepsis cases were recruited from the fever hospital as well as from 3 rural health units and three urban health offices in Alexandria. A pre-designed interviewing questionnaire was used to collect data about risk factors of puerperal sepsis. Logistic regression analysis indicated that very low socio-economic score [OR=6.4], no ANC [OR= 4.5], delivery at a governmental maternity hospital [OR= 203.4], frequent vaginal examinations [OR=5.1], anemia during puerperium [OR= 4.3], unsanitary vaginal douching during puerperium [OR=19.9] and unhygienic preparation of diapers used immediately after delivery [OR= 12.1] were significantly related to the occurrence of puerperal sepsis. Improving infection control measures during delivery, limiting the frequency of vaginal examinations, and avoiding all unhygienic practices related to delivery are strongly recommended

Utilization of maternal health services offered by the health insurance organization in Alexandria

This study examines the extent of utilization of maternal health services [MHS] currently offered by Health Insurance Organization [HIO] in Alexandria. A total of 1040 insured married females working in primary, preparatory and secondary schools in three educational regions in Alexandria were interviewed. Data was collected about socio-economic status of females, their knowledge about MHS offered by HIO, as well as sources of receiving MHS other than HIO. Barriers preventing utilization of such services and recommendations for improvement were explored from beneficiaries. The results revealed that for the last pregnancy, about half the sample utilized antenatal services and about one fourth utilized natal services, while a very small percentage [8%] utilized family planning services. The private sector was the main source for receiving MRS for non-utilizer. Lack of confidence and low quality of services were the main barriers preventing utilization. Complete physical examination, examination of fetal heart sound and improvement of physical environment of obstetrics and gynecology department were the main recommendations for improvement of MHS offered by HIO