An observational study of midwives' practices to prevent peripartum sepsis in Zimbabwe

This study investigated the availability of infection control policies and/or guidelines while observing midwives' practices in relation to peripartum sepsis prevention. A participant observational study collected data, in May and June 2014, by means of checklists from 37 purposively selected midwives working in the labour and postnatal wards of two central hospitals in Zimbabwe. Descriptive statistics and SPSS version 20 were used during data analysis. The results indicate lack of resources necessary for good midwifery practice and poor standards of infection control among midwives. Strengthening infection control policies and practices, ensuring resource equitable distribution and training of midwives in peripartum sepsis prevention are essential interventions.