Course Start: October 2015
Director of studies: Dr Shuby Puthussery
Second supervisor: Dr Barbara Burden

Thesis title

Disrespect and abuse in maternity care: Women’s experiences and healthcare providers’ perspectives in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Disrespect and abuse (D&A) is a public health issue affecting the health systems in low, middle and high-income countries. Evidence suggests D&A occurs during facility-based maternity care and is a violation of human rights of childbearing women. Presumably, very high prevalence of D&A during facility-based childbirth is reported in various countries including Nigeria. There are indications that D&A results from abusive behaviours of healthcare providers and issues in the health systems such as poor management. Consequently, D&A may affect women and their decision to use health facilities for maternity care which likely contributes to the high maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in the African region. Despite the reportedly high prevalence and growing recognition of D&A of women during maternity care, there is a dearth of evidence on this issue in Nigeria. Therefore, building on existing literature, this study aims to provide a framework for understanding women’s experiences and healthcare providers’ perspectives on D&A during maternity care in health facilities.

Objectives

• To understand how women perceive D&A during antenatal, childbirth and postpartum care
• To explore the factors that influence D&A in antenatal, childbirth and postpartum care
• To understand the impact of D&A on women and use of health facilities for maternity care
• To explore healthcare providers’ perspectives on D&A in maternity care

Method: This qualitative study which adopts a phenomenological approach is in 2 phases. Using a purposive sample of 34 childbearing women that have experienced at least one category of D&A and met the eligibility criteria for this study, focus group discussions were conducted in the first phase. In the second phase, individual semi-structured in-depth interviews will be conducted with childbearing women to understand their experiences and healthcare providers to explore their perspectives of D&A during maternity care in health facilities. All data collected will be analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Research Question

What are women’s experiences and healthcare providers’ perspectives of D&A during maternity care in health facilities in Benue State, Nigeria?

Contact Information

E: joy.orpin@study.beds.ac.uk
twitter.com/JoiOrpin