Disrespect and abuse during facility based childbirth: The experience of mothers in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

<br><b>Context:</b> An important but little understood concept that retards the goal to reduce maternal mortality and increase universal access to reproductive health is disrespect and abuse (D&A) during childbirth.<br><b>Aim:</b> This study aims to determine the prevalence, pattern, perpetrators, and determinants of D&A during childbirth among recently parturient women in Kano, north western Nigeria.<br><b>Settings and Design:</b> Using a cross-sectional design, 332 women accessing child immunization and postnatal services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, were selected.<br><b>Subjects and Methods:</b> Respondents were selected using systematic sampling technique and data collected using an adapted, interviewer administered tool.<br><b>Statistical Analysis:</b> Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 and level of significance set at 0.05.<br><b>Results:</b> Respondents (<i>n</i> = 306) had a mean age of 27.7 ± 6.3 years and more than half (55.9%; <i>n</i> = 171) had experienced at least one form of D&A during childbirth. Commonest forms of abuse were abandonment and nonconfidential care (84.5%, <i>n</i> = 142; 67.9%, <i>n</i> = 114, respectively). Main perpetrators were nurses/midwives (83.0%, <i>n</i> = 142). The experience during the last childbirth was significantly higher among respondents of non-Hausa/Fulani ethnic group (χ² = 6.10; <i>P</i> = 0.014), of the Christian faith (χ² = 8.62; <i>P</i> = 0.003), and with formal education (χ² = 19.94; <i>P</i> = 0.0001). After controlling for confounders, formal education remained a predictor for experiencing abuse at childbirth (AOR = 2.43; 95% confidence interval = 1.11--5.32).<br><b>Conclusions:</b> D&A during childbirth is prevalent in our setting. Educating healthcare providers and women about their responsibilities and rights will enhance provision and utilization of quality maternal health services.<br>