International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics

Volume 128, Issue 2 p. 110-113

Clinical articles

Disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in a low-income country^†

Innocent I. Okafor,

Innocent I. Okafor

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

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Emmanuel O. Ugwu,

Corresponding Author

Emmanuel O. Ugwu

[email protected]

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

Corresponding author at: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, PMB 01129, Enugu State, Nigeria. Tel.: + 234 8037790402.Search for more papers by this author

Samuel N. Obi,

Samuel N. Obi

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

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Innocent I. Okafor,

Innocent I. Okafor

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

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Emmanuel O. Ugwu,

Corresponding Author

Emmanuel O. Ugwu

[email protected]

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

Samuel N. Obi,

Samuel N. Obi

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

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First published: 13 October 2014

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.08.015

Citations: 171

^†

Presented at 64th Meeting of Nigerian Surgical Research Society; December 6, 2013; Enugu, Nigeria. Published as an abstract: Niger J Surg 2014; 20(1):42–46.

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Abstract

Objective

To determine the prevalence and pattern of disrespectful and abusive care during facility-based childbirth in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.

Methods

A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was undertaken at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital between May 1 and August 31, 2012. Women accessing immunization services for their newborns were eligible when they had delivered in the previous 6 weeks and had received prenatal care and delivery services at the hospital. The main outcome was the proportion of women who had experienced disrespectful and abusive care during their last childbirth.

Results

In total, 437 (98.0%) of 446 respondents reported at least one form of disrespectful and abusive care during their last childbirth. Non-consented services and physical abuse were the most common types of disrespectful and abusive care during facility-based childbirth, affecting 243 (54.5%) and 159 (35.7%) respondents, respectively. Non-dignified care was reported by 132 (29.6%) women, abandonment/neglect during childbirth by 130 (29.1%), non-confidential care by 116 (26.0%), detention in the health facility by 98 (22.0%), and discrimination by 89 (20.0%).

Conclusion

Disrespect and abuse during childbirth are highly prevalent in Enugu. The findings indicate the size of the issue of disrespectful and abusive care during childbirth in low-income countries.

Supporting Information

References

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Citing Literature

Volume128, Issue2

February 2015

Pages 110-113

Disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in a low-income country^†

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Supporting Information

References

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in a low-income country†

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Supporting Information

References

Citing Literature

References

Related

Information

Disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in a low-income country^†