Evidence on Respectful Maternity Care For Adolescents: A Systematic Review Protocol

Abstract

Background Intrapartum mistreatment of women is a globally rising public health and human rights phenomenon. The issue reportedly has severe maternal and neonatal outcomes including mortality, and generally leads to a decreased satisfaction with maternity care. Intrapartum mistreatment, despite being ubiquitous, indicates higher incidence among adolescent parturients who are simultaneously at a higher risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies have suggested that Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) interventions reduce intrapartum mistreatment and improve clinical outcomes for women and neonates in general. However, evidence on the effect of RMC on adolescents is unclear. Hence the specific aim of this study is to synthesise the available evidence relating to the provision of RMC for adolescents during childbirth. Methods The methodology of the proposed systematic review follows the procedural guideline depicted in the preferred reporting items for systematic review protocol. The review will include all observational and intervention studies conducted between January 1, 1990 and April 30, 2020. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science will be searched to retrieve available studies using the appropriate search strings. The search results will be appraised with Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool. The selection of relevant studies, data extraction, and quality assessment of individual studies will be carried out by two independent authors. Results A systematic narrative synthesis of the resultant studies will be done, and the relevant themes extracted. Findings will also be summarised in tables. Discussion Respectful Maternity Care for adolescents holds great promise for improved maternal and neonatal care. However, there is a gap in knowledge on the interventions that work and the extent of their effectiveness. Findings from this study will be beneficial in improving Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) and reducing maternal mortality, especially for adolescents. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (Submitted 21 August 2020)