Knowledge of post-cesarean home care among postpartum mothers in Central Tanzania: Baseline findings from a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The increasing rate of cesarean section births is a global concern, including in Tanzania, where cesarean section births account for 11% of live births. Following a cesarean section, mothers are commonly discharged early to reduce ward congestion; as a result, they are required to receive care at home. However, evidence indicates that mothers receive limited or no information on post-cesarean section home care, which increases the risk of complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge of home care after cesarean section birth among postpartum mothers in Central Tanzania. DESIGN: An analytical cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study involved 467 randomly selected post-cesarean section mothers, assessed 24-48 h after birth. Participants' knowledge was evaluated using 60 items that covered essential home care, nutrition, and postnatal services utilization, as well as sexual and reproductive health. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 27). RESULTS: Overall, 63% of post-cesarean section mothers demonstrated adequate knowledge of essential healthcare needs, whereas 55% exhibited an inadequate knowledge of nutritional needs and the utilization of post-natal services. However, 93% had inadequate knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare. Being employed, residing in Dodoma, and having higher education attainment were significantly associated with adequate knowledge of essential healthcare needs, as well as meeting sexual and reproductive health, nutritional, and post-natal service utilization needs. Post-cesarean section mothers with only one prior cesarean section were less likely to possess adequate knowledge about essential healthcare needs and sexual and reproductive healthcare. CONCLUSION: Generally, the knowledge of home care after cesarean section births is inadequate, especially regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare. Comprehensive and standardized health education on home care after cesarean section births is essential for improving knowledge of home care among post-caesarean section mothers and enhancing their recovery.