The Proportion and Nature of Disrespect and Abuse during facility-based care in a rural and an urban setting in Kano, northwest Nigeria; A mixed-method study

Abstract

Objectives: Disrespect and abuse is noted to be high but poorly reported, especially in northern Nigeria. This study was undertaken to determine the proportion and nature of disrespect and abuse of women during childbirths in health facilities at selected locations in Kano, a northwest Nigerian State Method: Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. The study adopted quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A sample size of 292 women who delivered in the past 1year preceding the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square). Qualitative data was analyzed along themes using Atlas.ti. P value is ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age of the respondents was 28.3±6.9 years. Most of the respondents were aged 25-29 years, mostly married (96%), housewives (68.8%), of Hausa tribe (85.1%) and had primary education (52.2%). About 50.7% were urban and 49.3% were rural residents. Averagely, 46.5% said that they experienced D&A during care but it was more in urbn (76.3%), compared to rural (18.30%). More than one type of D&A occurred in most individual (76%) mainly at multiple service points, but physical abuse is the most recurrent in various mix. Among types of D&A occurring singly, non-consented care and non-confidential care were mostly reported. Downward pressure placed on the abdomen before baby was born, being blamed for something that happened to them or their babies, health workers did not provide explanations for procedures and sexual abuse were also reported. Conclusion: D&A is common in health facilities in both rural and urban settings of Kano. However, D&A was higher in urban compare to the rural areas. The proportion among urban women was higher than that reported in a previous study in Kano. Although D&A types commonly occurred as a mix. Further studies to explore the determinants and recommendations for D&A are necessary.

<p>Respectful Maternity Care and Associated Factors Among Women Who Attended Delivery Services in Referral Hospitals in Northwest Amhara, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…In this study, 56.3% of women received respectful care (95% CI: 52.0, 61.4%) which is similar to that of a study conducted in public health facilities of Bahir Dar town which showed the status of compassionate and respectful care was 57% 11 and Kano, Nigeria (56.48%). 13 The finding of this study is lower than that of a study conducted in the Bale zone which stated that the status of respectful maternity care was 62.5% 9 and Kenya (80%). 6 This might be due to the study conducted in Kenya assessed disrespectful and abusive care after the implementation of a package of interventions and staff training.…”