Experiences regarding Respectful Maternity Care amongst women living in two Block PHC areas of Assam.
Keywords:
respectful maternity care (RMC), Dibrugarh (Plain District), Dima Hasao (Hill District), experiences, AssamAbstract
Background: High-quality maternity care goes hand-in-hand with respectful treatment, ensuring the protection of the basic human rights of child-bearing women. Respectful care during childbirth has been described as “a universal human right that encompasses the principles of ethics and respect for women’s feelings, dignity, choices, and preferences”.
Aim & Objective: To assess the experiences regarding Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) amongst women living in two Block PHC areas of Assam.
Settings and Design: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in household setting.
Methods and Material: This study was conducted in two block PHC areas (Dima Hasao/hill/tribal and Dibrugarh/plain/non-tribal) of Assam. Using multi-stage sampling technique, 300 participants were included and interviewed house-to-house using a pre-designed pre-tested proforma based on seven major domains of RMC Charter.
Statistical analysis used: Data analysed in SPSS v25 and descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviations (SD) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables, were used.
Results: More than three-fourths of participants received RMC however, all of them had experienced at least one form of disrespect during their labour, childbirth or postnatal period at the hospital. Non-confidential care was the most common experienced form of mistreatment (mean score 0.26) and detention in health facility was the least common experienced form of mistreatment (mean score 2). Teenage pregnancy among 9 (3%) participants was seen in this study.
Conclusion: There is a need to follow universal practice of respectful maternity care in all facilities conducting delivery.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Chandana Thaosen, Tulika Goswami Mahanta, Manas Jyoti Kotoky, Hiranya Saikia, Gourangie Gogoi
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