A Facility-Based Assessment on Maternal Experiences of Disrespect and Abuse during Childbirth in Edo State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/jcmphc.v37i1.4Keywords:
Disrespect and Abuse, Facility-Based Childbirth, Knowledge, Attitudes, Women's RightsAbstract
Background: Disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth violate women’s rights to dignified and non-violent healthcare. Despite global efforts to promote respectful maternity care, disrespect and abuse remain a significant barrier to optimal maternal health outcomes, particularly in low- and middleincome countries. This study assessed women’s knowledge of and attitudes regarding disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing a mixed-methods approach was conducted among 614 women who delivered in healthcare facilities in the preceding 18 months. Respondents were selected using multistage sampling. Data collection included semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 21.0, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Logistic regression identified predictors of knowledge and attitudes, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Respondents’ mean age was 30 ± 6 years, and 73.1% were married. Good knowledge of disrespect and abuse was observed in 57.8% of respondents, yet awareness of specific abusive practices, such as physical abuse (20.2%) and financial detention (26.9%), was low. While 71.8% strongly supported respectful care, 42.7% considered financial detention acceptable. Qualitative data highlighted the normalization of abusive behaviours, justified as necessary for safe delivery. Being married increased the likelihood of good knowledge, while formal education and good knowledge reduced the likelihood of accepting disrespect and abuse.
Conclusion: Significant gaps in knowledge and normalization of abusive practices underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as community education, healthcare provider training, and policy reforms, to eliminate disrespectful maternity care.
