A descriptive study to assess the experiences of mothers of infants (42 days-6 months of age) on respectful maternity care residing in Dadu Majra Colony, UT, Chandigarh (2021-2022)

Abstract

Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is right to receive dignified and respectful care by health care worker and right to freedom from harm. “The relationship between the lack of quality care and adverse maternal outcome has been highlighted globally. RMC include respect for women autonomy, dignity, feelings, privacy choices and freedom from ill-treatment, coercion, consideration for personal preference include option for companionship during maternity care.” To assess the experiences of mothers of infants (42 days- 6 months of age) regarding RMC residing in Dadu Majra colony UT. Chandigarh. This descriptive study was conducted on 133 mother of infants (42 days-6 month of age) residing in one semi urban area of Chandigarh, by using total enumeration sampling technique. The ethical clearance was given by the Ethics committee of NINE, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Tool used for data collection was interview schedule comprised of three parts : 1) Socio demographic profile of participants 2) Obstetrical profile of participants 3) Interview schedule to assess RMC, in the form of Likert scale in which 43 items scored into 5 categories i.e All the times (5). Sometimes (4). Often (3), Rarely (2) and Never (1). Data was collected by interviewing the participants as per interview schedule after taking informed written consent. Data was analysed by SPSS 20 version.Majority of the participants (90.2%) received very good RMC, other 7.3% received RMC and 2.3% received fair RMC. Most of the mothers received very good care in domain of dignified care (91.7%), equitable care (100.0%), highest attainable level of care (78.9%). freedom from harm (89.5%) and informed consent (88%) while the domain of privacy and confidential care 52.6% mothers received good respectful maternity care.Majority of the participant received the very good RMC, only few of the participants reported abusive cares such as yelling by the HCW and the security guards, slapped on the thighs etc.