Disrespect and abuse (D&A) during childbirth violate human rights and undermine maternal care. Women expect compassion and respect, yet abusive care discourages facility-based childbirth, contributing to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate of 512 per 100,000 live births. This study examines the prevalence, patterns, and perpetrators of disrespect and abuse in Lagos State. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, patterns, and perpetrators of disrespect and abuse experienced by women during childbirth. A cross-sectional community-based study, using mixed methods, was conducted among mothers residing in Lagos State who had given birth within six months prior to the study. Multistage sampling was used to select 524 mothers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The prevalence of disrespect and abuse was 87%, with non-consented care (79.8%) being the most common. Stigma/discrimination (4.6%) and detention (4.6%) were least reported. Nurses/midwives (59.4%) were the primary perpetrators. The study revealed a high prevalence of disrespect and abuse, primarily by nurses/midwives indicating that training healthcare providers on respectful maternity care (RMC) is essential. These findings therefore will inform policies promoting respectful maternal care in Nigeria to achieve improved health outcomes.
Nene et al. (Mon,) studied this question.