Respectful maternity care at caesarean delivery: Experiences of mothers in a primary referral hospital in Ghana

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundRespectful, dignified care is a human right for all women that impacts skilled birth attendance and outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of respectful maternity care (RMC) provided at caesarean deliveries in a Ghanaian referral hospital and determine associated factors influencing care provision. We sought to elucidate RMC prevalence and drivers specific to the caesarean experience, to promote rights‐based, patient‐centred caesarean delivery care.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted from June to November 2022, among women who delivered via caesarean section at the hospital. Interviews of participants were conducted using structured questionnaires, capturing respondents' sociodemographic and obstetric features and perceptions of RMC. Quantitative data were summarised using means, medians, frequencies and proportions. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to determine factors associated with RMC at 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 308 women were included in the study. The mean age of mothers was 29.9 (±6.8) years. Of the mothers, 67.9% (95% CI: 62.3, 73.0) received RMC and 32.1% reported disrespectful and abusive care. Several factors were associated with higher likelihood of receiving RMC at caesarean delivery, including being married, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.45 (95% CI: 1.17, 5.12), having average monthly income between Ghana cedis 501 and 1500, aOR = 1.94 (95% CI: 1.07, 3.50), having a previous delivery history of spontaneous vaginal delivery only, aOR 2.04 (95% CI: 1.02, 4.08) and receiving anaesthesia from a male anaesthetist, aOR 2.04 (95% CI: 1.22, 3.42).ConclusionThough the majority of women at caesarean delivery received RMC, close to one‐third may attribute a negative caesarean birth experience to disrespectful care. Respectful and abusive‐free care at service delivery should thus be emphasised for healthcare givers and form part of antenatal education.