Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0932
ISSN: 2161-0932
Ronald Tweheyo
Busitema University, Uganda
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Gynecol Obstet
Background: Caesarean Section(C/S) is a lifesaving procedure for both the mother and the baby but it is associated with various post-operative complications and longer hospital stays. Prolonged Hospitalization after a Caesarean section can be stressful for both the healthcare providers and the mothers while also risking them acquiring hospital acquired infections. Factors related to longer hospital stays among mothers delivered by C/S have not been well explored. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with longer (> 4 days) hospital stay following Caesarean birth at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) between December 2023 and May 2024 accessed in June 2024. A total of 536 patient files of women who underwent Caesarean section were randomly selected and reviewed. Data on social demographics, obstetric characteristics and other surgical details including outcomes was extracted and recorded using an online data collection tool. Descriptive analysis to summarise the data and logistic regression to identify factors associated with longer hospital stays were done, and P-values <0.05 significance level at a 95% confidence interval were considered. Results: The mean hospital stay was 4.02 days (SD ± 2.87). Nearly half of the women (47.6%) were referred from other health facilities with most caesarean sections (70.9%) sanctioned by junior house officers. Preoperative prophylactic antibiotics were administered in 85.4 % and spinal anaesthesia was used in 98.5% of the C-sections. In multivariable analysis, lack of a complete blood count, vaginal preparation, intravenous fluids before surgery and a patient undergoing general anesthesia were significantly related to longer hospital stays. Conclusion: Multiple factors are associated with longer hospital stays at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Improvement of evidence-based practices such as the intravenous fluids, vaginal preparation and basic laboratory investigations before surgery and use of spinal anesthesia can help to reduce hospital stay and its associated risks.
Tweheyo Ronald is a fourth year Bachelor of medicine and Bachelor of
surgery (MBChB IV) at Busitema University, in Uganda. He is currently
undertaking clinical training at