Disrespect and abuse during facility based childbirth: The experience of mothers in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Context: An important but little understood concept that retards the goal to reduce maternal mortality and increase universal access to reproductive health is disrespect and abuse (D&A) during childbirth.Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence, pattern, perpetrators, and determinants of D&A during childbirth among recently parturient women in Kano, north western Nigeria. Settings and Design: Using a cross‑sectional design, 332 women accessing child immunization and postnatal services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, were selected. Subjects and Methods: Respondents were selected using systematic sampling technique and data collected using an adapted, interviewer administered tool. Statistical Analysis: Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 and level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Respondents (n = 306) had a mean age of 27.7 ± 6.3 years and more than half (55.9%; n = 171) had experienced at least one form of D&A during childbirth. Commonest forms of abuse were abandonment and nonconfidential care (84.5%, n = 142; 67.9%, n = 114, respectively). Main perpetrators were nurses/midwives (83.0%, n = 142). The experience during the last childbirth was significantly higher among respondents of non‑Hausa/Fulani ethnic group (X2 = 6.10; P = 0.014), of the Christian faith (X2 = 8.62; P = 0.003), and with formal education (X2 = 19.94; P = 0.0001). After controlling for confounders, formal education remained a predictor for experiencing abuse at childbirth (AOR = 2.43; 95% confidence interval = 1.11‑‑5.32). Conclusions: D&A during childbirth is prevalent in our setting. Educating healthcare providers and women about their responsibilities and rights will enhance provision and utilization of quality maternal health services. Key words: Childbirth; disrespect and abuse; facility; mother