RETRACTED ARTICLE: Probing the practice and factors associated with perineal wound care among postpartum women in public health facilities in Ethiopia

Abstract Perineal injuries stemming from episiotomies or natural perineal tears are frequent postpartum issues that necessitate appropriate management to avert infection and facilitate healing. In low- and middle-income nations, such as Ethiopia, the care for perineal wounds is frequently shaped by numerous cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare system factors. This research sought to evaluate the management of perineal wound care and its associated factors among postpartum women in public health institutions in Gambella Regional State, western Ethiopia, 2024. A cross-sectional study based in an institution was carried out involving 404 postpartum women receiving postnatal care at chosen public health facilities. A multistage sampling method was employed to choose participants. Data were gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors linked to effective perineal wound care practices. A p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Merely 29.5% of women after childbirth exhibited effective perineal wound care methods, whereas 70.5% displayed inadequate practices. The knowledge levels were insufficient, as just 30.4% of participants possessed an adequate understanding of perineal wound care. Factors closely linked to effective perineal wound care practices included living in an urban area (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.3–4.8), having a prior history of perineal laceration (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.3–4.6), utilizing social media for health-related information (AOR = 5.6, 95% CI = 1.2–6.8), giving birth in a healthcare facility (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.2–4.5), and possessing strong knowledge regarding perineal wound care (AOR = 8.4, 95% CI = 1.74–10.1). Associations were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The results indicate that perineal wound care practices among postpartum women in Gambella are inadequate, with most exhibiting insufficient practices and limited knowledge. Improving health education, increasing access to institutional deliveries, utilizing digital platforms for health promotion, and tackling systemic healthcare issues are essential for enhancing perineal wound care practices.