Obstetrics violence among parturient women in Kano State, north-west Nigeria

Women endure physical and psychological abuse from carers during delivery. This form of human-right violation has not been well investigated, especially, in low-income countries. This study determined the prevalence and predictors of obstetric violence among women who gave birth in urban Kano, Nigeria.

Descriptive cross sectional study.

Three hundred and sixty (360) postnatal attendees were interviewed using validated structured questionnaires. Forms of obstetric violence were ascertained and predictors generated using a logistic regression model in SPSS.

The overall prevalence of obstetric violence was 32.3% (n = 115). The proportion among women who gave birth at home and in the hospital were 15.8% (n = 28) and 48.6% (n = 87), respectively (p < 0.05). Of the respondents that have experienced at least one form of OV, the most reported form was due to failure to meet professional standards of care (61.7%), of which neglect and abandonment (38.3%) was the commonest form. The least reported form was physical abuse (22.6%). Obstetric violence was predicted by place of delivery (hospital versus home) (Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) = 3.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = (2.07-5.99), parity (0 versus ≥ 1) (AOR = 2.94, 95%CI (1.62-5.35), and labour/delivery complication (present versus absent) (AOR = 2.22, 95%CI (1.17-4.24).

Obstetric violence was prevalent, especially, among hospital births. Health workers require training on respectful maternity care.