Prevalence and perception of disrespect and abuse during childbirth in public healthcare facilities in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: There is increasing awareness of disrespect and abuse (DAA) during childbirth. Globally, DAA during delivery
is a common cause of suffering and violation of the human rights of birthing mothers. Respectful maternal care is necessary to
improve the quality of care and uptake of institutional delivery services to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and
mortality. The study aims to determine the prevalence, common forms, and perception of maternal DAA among mothers who
just gave birth and are still in the hospital.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study on 261 consenting postnatal women at four public healthcare facilities in Lagos,
Nigeria. An interviewer-administered pretested questionnaire was used to obtain data on sociodemographic characteristics and
experiences of DAA. We analysed the data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Logistic
regression analysis was used to assess significant risk factors for DAA during delivery and early puerperium.
Results: The prevalence of DAA during childbirth was 82%. Perceptions of non-consented care and abandonment/neglect
were the most reported forms of DAA reported by 86.8% and 45.6% of respondents, respectively. The odds for DAA were
four times greater in women who had pregnancy complications compared to those who did not (aOR: 4.50, 95%CI: 1.50-
13.46) and doubled in women who had vaginal delivery compared to Caesarean section (aOR: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.07-4.12).
Conclusion: DAA is prevalent during childbirth in our public healthcare facilities. This goes against the proposed standard of
care where respectful maternal care is every womans right, posing a risk for reduced use of institutional delivery services.