Abstract:
Disrespect and abuse of women during facility-based childbirth is not a new
phenomenon women’s health and right advocates have long complained of poor treatment in
reproductive and maternal health services, especially for poor and marginalized women. 98% of
the women in Nigeria faced disrespect and abuse during childbirth and 78% of the women in
Addis Ababa were disrespected and abused during childbirth.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level and factors associated with disrespect
during childbirth Shone public health facilities, Hadiyya Zone Southern Region Ethiopia,
February 1-29/2020.
Method: A facilities based cross sectional study was conducted among 533 women in Shone
public health facilities. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants.
The data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with
disrespect and abuse. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval level was estimated
and level of statistical significance was declared at p-value less or equal to 0.05.
Results: In this study, level of disrespect and abuse was 92.1% with (65.0 -73.7). Factors such as
having a monthly income less than 1000 ETB [AOR= 4.44, 95% CI: 1.04 -18.97]. Lack of ANC
follow up [AOR = 0.16, 95% CI: 1.06 – 2.55] who stayed in the health facilities less than
24hours after delivery [AOR= 0.93, 95% CI: 1.21 – 3.07] were independent predictors of
disrespect and abuse during childbirth.
Conclusions and recommendations: According to this study, (69.7%) of the respondents faced
at least one kind of disrespectful and abusive action during childbirth in Shone public health
facilities. Thus, seven out of every ten women encountered disrespect and abuse during
childbirth in the study area. Factors such as having income less than 1000 Ethiopian Birr, lack of
ANC follow up and stay in health facility after delivery were independent predictors of
disrespect and abuse during childbirth. Thus, all concerned entities should pay attention in
strengthening ANC follow which in turn plays pivotal role in enhancing respectful maternal care
