Effect of Obstetric Violence on Traumatic Childbirth Perception Among Turkish Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Merve Mert-Karadas1, Cansu Akdag Topal2, Fatma Uslu-Sahan1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.

Violence Against Women
|December 26, 2025
PubMed

This study aimed to examine whether obstetric violence predicts traumatic childbirth perception among women. This cross-sectional study included 307 women who gave birth within the healthcare system. Data were collected via an online survey using validated scales. Findings showed moderate levels of traumatic childbirth perception, with obstetric violence significantly associated with higher perceptions of trauma. Marital status, psychological history, pregnancy planning, conception method, and prenatal education attendance also influenced perception. These factors together explained 25.8% of the variance. Promoting respectful maternity care and trauma-informed practices is crucial for improving maternal mental health outcomes.