Disrespect and Abuse of Women During Facility Based Deliveries and Its Effects on Intent to Use Maternity Services in Uringu Division Meru County

Abstract

This is a community survey carried out in Uringu Division, Meru County to investigate Disrespect and Abuse of women during facility based deliveries. Objectives of the study were to determine; the prevalence of D&A, the types of D&A experienced by women, the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and D&A of women during facility based deliveries, and how D&A affects intent to use maternity services. This was a cross sectional survey that utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Area and purposive sampling methods were used while data collection was by use of structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Data analysis was done by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20) and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Prevalence of disrespect and abuse during child birth in Uringu Division was high with 71.9 % (n=149) of women having experienced at least one form. Most frequent types of D&A were; denial of companionship during labor 73% (n=151), vaginal examinations without consent 56% (n=115) and episiotomies without consent 38% (n=79). There was significant relationship between disrespect and abuse and intent to use service (Χ2 =9.097, p=0.04, α=0.05) which could be explained by two categories namely non-dignified care and discrimination in service provision. Majority of women who choose to deliver in health facility experienced at least one form of Disrespect and Abuse. This Disrespect and abuse affects all women irrespective of their socio-demographic characteristic with women who have experienced being more likely not to use maternity services. County government of Meru needs to address this problem with relevant training to the healthcare workers. In addition the public needs to be trained about their rights to quality care devoid of abuse