Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-038X
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2161-038X
+44 1300 500008
Mwajuma Mdoe
University of Dodoma, Tanzania
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Reprod Syst Sex Disord
Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication of caesarean section (CS) leading to significant maternal morbidity and mortality. SSI is associated with the care received by the mother at the health facility and at home. However, guidelines to guide health care providers and mothers at home thus preventing SSI are limited. There is a need of reviewing the literature as the initial step in developing a post-CS home care guide for the prevention of SSI. Aim: To explore and describe home-based care and practices recommended for mothers after CS. Methodology: This integrative literature review was conducted by using Google Scholar, Pub Med and Hinari databases from its inception to June 2021. The search included research articles, protocols and guidelines that describe home care practice after CS, and assessed for their quality. Synthesis of recommendations from the included literature was classified based on the type of the study design and the review was guided by methodology registered in Prospero with the ID CRD42021276905. Results: A total of 681 literatures were found and 12 met the criteria. Recommended home care components were divided in four major categories; wound care practice (wound cleaning, drying and bandage change); nutrition (high protein diet, vitamin C, fiber and balanced diet); exercise (pelvic floor muscle, walking and breathing exercise) and hygiene (bathing and wearing clean clothes). There was limited of literature addressing components of perineal care and home environment. Varying recommendations were found regarding wound cleaning and dressing in the studies done from low and higher income country. Discussion: The above component and content of homecare and practice can help in development of the guide. The observed variation of recommendations and limited literature emphasize the need to develop home care practices for post-CS mothers in low-income countries as they share common resources and environments.