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Abderhalden-Zellweger A, de Labrusse C, Gemperle M, Grylka-Baeschlin S, Pfund A, Mueller AN, Mariani I, Pessa Valente E, Lazzerini M. Women's experiences of disrespect and abuse in Swiss facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative analysis of an open-ended question in the IMAgiNE EURO study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:402. [PMID: 38822258 PMCID: PMC11143635 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06598-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the provision of maternal care. The IMAgiNE EURO study investigates the Quality of Maternal and Newborn Care during the pandemic in over 20 countries, including Switzerland. AIM This study aims to understand women's experiences of disrespect and abuse in Swiss health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data were collected via an anonymous online survey on REDCap®. Women who gave birth between March 2020 and March 2022 and answered an open-ended question in the IMAgiNE EURO questionnaire were included in the study. A qualitative thematic analysis of the women's comments was conducted using the International Confederation of Midwives' RESPECT toolkit as a framework for analysis. FINDINGS The data source for this study consisted of 199 comments provided by women in response to the open-ended question in the IMAgiNE EURO questionnaire. Analysis of these comments revealed clear patterns of disrespect and abuse in health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These patterns include non-consensual care, with disregard for women's choices and birth preferences; undignified care, characterised by disrespectful attitudes and a lack of empathy from healthcare professionals; and feelings of abandonment and neglect, including denial of companionship during childbirth and separation from newborns. Insufficient organisational and human resources in health facilities were identified as contributing factors to disrespectful care. Empathic relationships with healthcare professionals were reported to be the cornerstone of positive experiences. DISCUSSION Swiss healthcare facilities showed shortcomings related to disrespect and abuse in maternal care. The pandemic context may have brought new challenges that compromised certain aspects of respectful care. The COVID-19 crisis also acted as a magnifying glass, potentially revealing and exacerbating pre-existing gaps and structural weaknesses within the healthcare system, including understaffing. CONCLUSIONS These findings should guide advocacy efforts, urging policy makers and health facilities to allocate adequate resources to ensure respectful and high-quality maternal care during pandemics and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Avenue de Beaumont 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Claire de Labrusse
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Avenue de Beaumont 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Gemperle
- Research Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin
- Research Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Anouck Pfund
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Avenue de Beaumont 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antonia N Mueller
- Research Institute of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Ilaria Mariani
- WHO Collaborating Center for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternaland , Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuelle Pessa Valente
- WHO Collaborating Center for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternaland , Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Marzia Lazzerini
- WHO Collaborating Center for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternaland , Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
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Yohannes E, Moti G, Gelan G, Creedy DK, Gabriel L, Hastie C. Impact of disrespectful maternity care on childbirth complications: a multicentre cross-sectional study in Ethiopia. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:380. [PMID: 38773395 PMCID: PMC11110437 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, disrespectful, and abusive childbirth practices negatively impact women's health, create barriers to accessing health facilities, and contribute to poor birth experiences and adverse outcomes for both mothers and newborns. However, the degree to which disrespectful maternity care is associated with complications during childbirth is poorly understood, particularly in Ethiopia. AIM To determine the extent to which disrespectful maternity care is associated with maternal and neonatal-related complications in central Ethiopia. METHODS A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. The sample size was determined using the single population proportion formula. Participants (n = 440) were selected with a simple random sampling technique using computer-generated random numbers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a pretested questionnaire and were entered into Epidata and subsequently exported to STATA version 17 for the final analysis. Analyses included descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and an odds ratio (OR) of 0.05. Co-founders were controlled by adjusting for maternal sociodemographic characteristics. The primary exposure was disrespectful maternity care; the main outcomes were maternal and neonatal-related complications. RESULTS Disrespectful maternity care was reported by 344 women (78.2%) [95% CI: 74-82]. Complications were recorded in one-third of mothers (33.4%) and neonates (30%). Disrespectful maternity care was significantly associated with maternal (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.8) and neonatal-related complications (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.54, 5.04). CONCLUSION The World Health Organization advocates respectful maternal care during facility-based childbirth to improve the quality of care and outcomes. However, the findings of this study indicated high mistreatment and abuse during childbirth in central Ethiopia and a significant association between such mistreatment and the occurrence of both maternal and neonatal complications during childbirth. Therefore, healthcare professionals ought to prioritise respectful maternity care to achieve improved birth outcomes and alleviate mistreatment and abuse within the healthcare sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephrem Yohannes
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, University Drive, Gold Coast, QLD, 4131, Australia.
- Midwifery Department, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia.
| | - Gonfa Moti
- Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Gemechu Gelan
- Midwifery Department, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Debra K Creedy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, University Drive, Gold Coast, QLD, 4131, Australia
| | - Laura Gabriel
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, University Drive, Gold Coast, QLD, 4131, Australia
| | - Carolyn Hastie
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, University Drive, Gold Coast, QLD, 4131, Australia
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Daly D, Sedlicka N, Švanderlíková K, Kovařčíková PA, Wilhelmová R, Begley C. An online survey of women's views of respectful and disrespectful pregnancy and early labour care in the Czech Republic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:370. [PMID: 38750412 PMCID: PMC11097455 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06448-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To ascertain and explore the views of women and their partners, giving birth in the Czech Republic, of the level of respectful or disrespectful care provided during pregnancy and early labour. DESIGN Ethical approval was granted for a descriptive, online anonymous survey of 65 questions, with quantitative and qualitative responses. SETTING The Czech Republic.The survey was completed by 8,767 women and 69 partners in 2018. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to present results. The majority of women were aged 26-35 years. Most had birthed in one of 93 hospitals, with 1.5% home births. Almost 40% never had an abdominal examination.in pregnancy. Quantitative data analysis revealed that less than half were given information on place of birth, or how to keep labour normal or non-interventionist. Almost 60% did not get information on positions for birth. Most (68%) commenced labour naturally, 25% had labour induced, 40% of them before term, and 7% had an elective caesarean section; 55% stated they had not been given any choice in the decision. Over half of those who had a membrane sweep said permission had not been sought. Half (54%) only had 'checking' visits from the midwife in labour. KEY CONCLUSIONS Findings reveal a lack of information-giving, discussion and shared decision-making from healthcare professionals during pregnancy and early labour. Some practices were non-evidenced-based, and interventions were sometimes made without consent. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The examples of disrespectful care described in this study caused women distress during childbirth, which may result in an increased fear of childbirth or an increase in free-birthing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre Daly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin, DO2 T283, Ireland.
| | - Natalie Sedlicka
- Association for Birth Houses & Centers (APODAC), Týnská ulička 1064/6, , Prague 1, 11000, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Švanderlíková
- Association for Birth Houses & Centers (APODAC), Týnská ulička 1064/6, , Prague 1, 11000, Czech Republic
| | - PetraAnn Ann Kovařčíková
- Association for Birth Houses & Centers (APODAC), Týnská ulička 1064/6, , Prague 1, 11000, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Wilhelmová
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Cecily Begley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin, DO2 T283, Ireland
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Pablo MC, Ildefonso HA, Elisa CR. Respectful maternity care interventions to address women mistreatment in childbirth: What has been done? BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:322. [PMID: 38671343 PMCID: PMC11046783 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06524-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last decade, there has been an increasing number of studies regarding experiences of mistreatment, disrespect and abuse (D&A) during facility-based childbirth. These negative experiences during labour have been proven to create a barrier for seeking both facility-based childbirth and postnatal health care, as well as increasing severe postpartum depression among the women who experienced them. This constitutes a serious violation of human rights. However, few studies have carried out specifically designed interventions to reduce these practices. The aim of this scoping review is to synthetise available evidence on this subject, and to identify initiatives that have succeeded in reducing the mistreatment, D&A that women suffer during childbirth in health facilities. METHODS A PubMed search of the published literature was conducted, and all original studies evaluating the efficacy of any type of intervention specifically designed to reduce these negative experiences and promote RMC were selected. RESULTS Ten articles were included in this review. Eight studies were conducted in Africa, one in Mexico, and the other in the U.S. Five carried out a before-and-after study, three used mixed-methods, one was a comparative study between birth centres, and another was a quasi-experimental study. The most common feature was the inclusion of some sort of RMC training for providers at the intervention centre, which led to the conclusion that this training resulted in an improvement in the care received by the women in childbirth. Other strategies explored by a small number of articles were open maternity days, clinical checklists, wall posters and constant user feedback. DISCUSSION These results indicate that there are promising interventions to reduce D&A and promote RMC for women during childbirth in health facilities. RMC training for providers stands as the most proven strategy, and the results suggest that it improves the experiences of care received by women in labour. CONCLUSION The specific types of training and the different initiatives that complement them should be evaluated through further scientific research, and health institutions should implement RMC interventions that apply these strategies to ensure human rights-based maternity care for women giving birth in health facilities around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira-Catalá Pablo
- Public Health Department, Miguel Hernández University, 03550, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Hernández-Aguado Ildefonso
- Public Health Department, Miguel Hernández University, 03550, Alicante, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Chilet-Rosell Elisa
- Public Health Department, Miguel Hernández University, 03550, Alicante, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Ayers S, Horsch A, Garthus-Niegel S, Nieuwenhuijze M, Bogaerts A, Hartmann K, Karlsdottir SI, Oosterman M, Tecirli G, Turner JD, Lalor J. Traumatic birth and childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder: International expert consensus recommendations for practice, policy, and research. Women Birth 2024; 37:362-367. [PMID: 38071102 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests 1 in 3 births are experienced as psychologically traumatic and about 4% of women and 1% of their partners develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. AIM To provide expert consensus recommendations for practice, policy, and research and theory. METHOD Two consultations (n = 65 and n = 43) with an international group of expert researchers and clinicians from 33 countries involved in COST Action CA18211; three meetings with CA18211 group leaders and stakeholders; followed by review and feedback from people with lived experience and CA18211 members (n = 238). FINDINGS Recommendations for practice include that care for women and birth partners must be given in ways that minimise negative birth experiences. This includes respecting women's rights before, during, and after childbirth; and preventing maltreatment and obstetric violence. Principles of trauma-informed care need to be integrated across maternity settings. Recommendations for policy include that national and international guidelines are needed to increase awareness of perinatal mental health problems, including traumatic birth and childbirth-related PTSD, and outline evidence-based, practical strategies for detection, prevention, and treatment. Recommendations for research and theory include that birth needs to be understood through a neuro-biopsychosocial framework. Longitudinal studies with representative and global samples are warranted; and research on prevention, intervention and cost to society is essential. CONCLUSION Implementation of these recommendations could potentially reduce traumatic births and childbirth-related PTSD worldwide and improve outcomes for women and families. Recommendations should ideally be incorporated into a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health support for all involved in the childbirth process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, EC1V 0HB, UK.
| | - Antje Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM), Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Nieuwenhuijze
- Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; CAPHRI, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- REALIFE research group, Research Unit Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Mirjam Oosterman
- Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Department of Clinical Child & Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Gulcan Tecirli
- Health Technology Assessment Department, Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Health, Bilkent, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Joan Lalor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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van der Waal R, van Nistelrooij I, Leget C. The Undercommons of Childbirth and Their Abolitionist Ethic of Care. A Study into Obstetric Violence Among Mothers, Midwives (in Training), and Doulas. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231205591. [PMID: 38055959 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231205591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Engaging in dialogue with critical mothers, midwives, midwives in training, and doulas in the Netherlands, this study furthers the theoretical understanding of both obstetric violence and the activist resistance against it. Obstetric violence is understood as part of a process of relational separation, leaving the pregnant person isolated. The activist resistance against it is consequently theorized as the abolitionist building of an alternative "otherworld" of radical relational care. The themes established are: (1) "institutionalized separation" with the subtheme's "expropriation," "carcerality," and "obstetric violence;" and (2) "undercommoning childbirth" with subthemes "fugitive planning," "anarchic relationality," and "obstetric abolition."
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlo Leget
- University for Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Thijssen KMJ, Kierkels JJM, van Meurs A, Verhoeven CJ, van der Hout-van der Jagt MB, Oei SG. Visualization of contractions: Evaluation of a new experience design concept to enhance the childbirth experience. Birth 2023; 50:1025-1033. [PMID: 37550881 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an innovative design proposition intended to help enhance the childbirth experience. The innovation consists of a smartphone application for birth preparation during pregnancy with information and coaching, in addition to a wall projection at the labor ward that visualizes the progress of labor based on uterine monitoring data. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled clinical pilot study. Singleton pregnant people pursuing a vaginal birth were recruited between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation and allocated to the intervention group (mobile application during the third trimester and wall projection at the labor ward) or to care as usual. Childbirth expectations and experiences were measured with validated questionnaires, which were completed at 32 and 36 weeks of gestation, immediately after birth, and at 4 weeks postpartum. Quantitative outcomes were analyzed and feedback about the proposition was evaluated using qualitative methods. RESULTS The qualitative feedback from patients was largely positive; however, we could not detect any significant differences between the intervention and control groups about fear of childbirth and other outcome measures. CONCLUSION In this pilot study, we evaluated a new experience design proposition for pregnancy and childbirth. This study generated data that will help to further improve and evaluate similar innovations in the future. This application may facilitate participatory care, promoting active involvement of parents in the healthcare processes of pregnancy and childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten M J Thijssen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Corine J Verhoeven
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Midwifery, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - M Beatrijs van der Hout-van der Jagt
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - S Guid Oei
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Limmer CM, Stoll K, Vedam S, Leinweber J, Gross MM. Measuring disrespect and abuse during childbirth in a high-resource country: Development and validation of a German self-report tool. Midwifery 2023; 126:103809. [PMID: 37689053 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing evidence on disrespect and abuse during childbirth has led to growing concern about the quality of care childbearing women are experiencing. To provide quantitative evidence of disrespect and abuse during childbirth services in Germany a validated measurement tool is needed. RESEARCH AIM The aim of this research project was the development and psychometric validation of a survey tool in the German language that measures disrespect and abuse of women during childbirth. METHODS A survey tool was created including the following measures: German adaptations of the short and long form of the "Mothers on Respect" (MOR) index (MOR-7 and MOR-G); the "Mothers' Autonomy in Decision Making" (MADM) scale; a mistreatment-index (MIST-I) comprising indicators of mistreatment during childbirth; and a set of items that measure experiences of discrimination during maternity care. Internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the scales were assessed using Cronbach's alpha, unweighted least squares factor analysis and non-parametric correlation analysis with a scale that measures a related construct, the Posttraumatic Symptom Scale - Self Report (PSS-SR) scale. We distributed the survey online, recruiting through snowball sampling via social media. A selection bias towards women who had experienced disrespect and abuse during their birth was intended and expedient for tool validation. The final sample of participants (n = 2045) had given birth in Germany between 2009 and 2018. FINDINGS More than 77% of the study participants reported at least one form of mistreatment with non-consented care being the most commonly reported type of mistreatment, followed by physical violence, violation of physical privacy, verbal abuse and neglect. All included scales showed good psychometric properties with high Cronbach's alphas (0.95 for both MOR versions and 0.96 for MADM). Factor analysis generated one factor scales with high factor loadings (0.75 to 0.92 for MOR-7; 0.37 to 0.90 for MOR-G and 0.83 to 0.92 for MADM). MOR-7, MOR-G, MADM and MIST-I scores were significantly (p<0.001) correlated with PSS-SR scores (Spearman's rho -0.70, -0.61 and 0.68 for MOR-G, MADM and the MIST-I, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study presents a valid and reliable instrument for the quantitative assessment of disrespect and abuse during childbirth in Germany. Childbearing women's experiences of disrespect and abuse are a relevant phenomenon in German hospital based maternity care. Disrespect and abuse during childbirth appear to contribute to post-traumatic symptoms and may be associated with severe mental health problems postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Limmer
- Hannover Medical School, Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover D-30625, Germany; Department Nursing and Management, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Science, Alexanderstr. 1, Hamburg D-20099, Germany
| | - Kathrin Stoll
- Hannover Medical School, Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover D-30625, Germany; UBC Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 304-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Saraswathi Vedam
- UBC Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 304-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Julia Leinweber
- Institute of Midwifery, University Medicine Berlin, Charite, Oudenarder Strasse 16, Berlin 13347, Germany
| | - Mechthild M Gross
- Hannover Medical School, Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover D-30625, Germany.
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van der Pijl MSG, Klein Essink M, van der Linden T, Verweij R, Kingma E, Hollander MH, de Jonge A, Verhoeven CJ. Consent and refusal of procedures during labour and birth: a survey among 11 418 women in the Netherlands. BMJ Qual Saf 2023:bmjqs-2022-015538. [PMID: 37217317 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informed consent for medical interventions is ethically and legally required; an important aspect of quality and safety in healthcare; and essential to person-centred care. During labour and birth, respecting consent requirements, including respecting refusal, can contribute to a higher sense of choice and control for labouring women. This study examines (1) to what extent and for which procedures during labour and birth women report that consent requirements were not met and/or inadequate information was provided, (2) how frequently women consider consent requirements not being met upsetting and (3) which personal characteristics are associated with the latter. METHODS A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Netherlands among women who gave birth up to 5 years previously. Respondents were recruited through social media with the help of influencers and organisations. The survey focused on 10 common procedures during labour and birth, investigating for each procedure if respondents were offered the procedure, if they consented or refused, if the information provision was sufficient and if they underwent unconsented procedures, whether they found this upsetting. RESULTS 13 359 women started the survey and 11 418 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consent not asked was most often reported by respondents who underwent postpartum oxytocin (47.5%) and episiotomy (41.7%). Refusal was most often over-ruled when performing augmentation of labour (2.2%) and episiotomy (1.9%). Information provision was reported inadequate more often when consent requirements were not met compared with when they were met. Multiparous women had decreased odds of reporting unmet consent requirements compared with primiparous (adjusted ORs 0.54-0.85). There was considerable variation across procedures in how frequently not meeting consent requirements was considered upsetting. CONCLUSIONS Consent for performing a procedure is frequently absent in Dutch maternity care. In some instances, procedures were performed in spite of the woman's refusal. More awareness is needed on meeting necessary consent requirements in order to achieve person-centred and high-quality care during labour and birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Sophia Gerardina van der Pijl
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margot Klein Essink
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke van der Linden
- Stichting Geboortebeweging (Birth Movement NL), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Research and Innovation, GGzE Mental Health Institute, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Verweij
- Stichting Geboortebeweging (Birth Movement NL), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martine H Hollander
- Amalia Children's Hospital, Department of Obstetrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ank de Jonge
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, The Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Corine J Verhoeven
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
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Kranenburg L, Lambregtse-van den Berg M, Stramrood C. Traumatic Childbirth Experience and Childbirth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Contemporary Overview. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2775. [PMID: 36833472 PMCID: PMC9957091 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
With this manuscript we provide an overview of the prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, screening, support, and treatment for women with a traumatic childbirth experience or childbirth-related PTSD. This overview is based on both recent literature and the authors' clinical experiences from the fields of obstetrics, psychiatry and medical psychology to provide up-to-date knowledge about recognizing, preventing and treating CB-PTSD from a clinical perspective. We pay substantial attention to prevention as there are many things health care professionals can do or not do to contribute to a positive childbirth experience, and save women, their infants and families from a sub-optimal start due to childbirth-related trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonieke Kranenburg
- Department of Psychiatry, Section Medical Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mijke Lambregtse-van den Berg
- Department of Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Mantula F, Chamisa JA, Nunu WN, Nyanhongo PS. Women's Perspectives on Cultural Sensitivity of Midwives During Intrapartum Care at a Maternity Ward in a National Referral Hospital in Zimbabwe. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231160476. [PMID: 36875792 PMCID: PMC9974627 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231160476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Midwives attend intrapartum women of diverse ethnic backgrounds who each bring their cultural beliefs into the labor and delivery rooms. The International Confederation of Midwives has recommended providing culturally appropriate maternity care in its quest to increase skilled birth attendance and subsequently improve maternal and newborn health. Objective This study aimed to examine midwives' cultural sensitivity during intrapartum care from women's perspectives, and how this relates to women's satisfaction with maternity care services. Methods A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Two focus group discussions were conducted with 16 women who had delivered in the labor ward of the selected national referral maternity unit. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to analyze the data. Results This study revealed ineffective midwife-woman collaboration that excludes the incorporation of women's cultural beliefs in the design of maternity care plans. Emotional, physical, and informational support in the care provided to women during labor and childbirth was found to be incompetent. This suggests that midwives are not sensitive to cultural norms and do not provide woman-centered intrapartum care. Conclusion Various factors implying midwives' lack of cultural sensitivity in their provision of intrapartum care were identified. Resultantly, women's expectations of labor are not met and this could negatively affect future maternity care-seeking behaviors. This study's findings provide policy makers, midwifery program managers and implementers with better insights for developing targeted interventions to improve cultural sensitivity for the delivery of respectful maternity care. Identifying factors that affect the implementation of culture-sensitive care by midwives could guide the adjustments required in midwifery education and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fennie Mantula
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Science and Technology, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Judith Audrey Chamisa
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Science and Technology, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Wilfred Njabulo Nunu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Science and Technology, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Prisca Sophia Nyanhongo
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Science and Technology, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
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