Disrespect and abuse of women during childbirth in selected health facilities in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The promotion of respectful care during delivery is of utmost importance if the goals of attainment of quality health care and utilization of skilled birth attendants in our health facilities are to be achieved. This study sought to assess the prevalence, forms, and factors associated with Disrespect and Abuse (D&A) of women during childbirth in Sokoto metropolis of Sokoto state.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to study 290 women who had facility-based delivery within the past eight weeks in Sokoto metropolis and were attending childhood immunization or family planning clinics. Data was collected using a set of structured questionnaire and was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23 computer software. Level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05 and approval for the study was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto while written informed consent was obtained from respondents after explaining the objectives of the study to them.

Results: A total of 57 (19.7%) of the respondents had experienced at least one form of D &A with bad attitude accounting for 75.4%, followed by Physical abuse (50.9%). Nurses and Midwives ranked highest (78.9%) among the perpetrators of D&A. Emotional distress, injury and death of baby were some of the negative effects of D&A.

Conclusion: The incidents of D&A have wider implications for the utilization of maternity services and maternal mortality. There is an urgent need for the training and re-training of health workers about respectful maternity care in Nigeria.