A Study to Assess the Level of Adherence to Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) and Reasons of non-adherence among Health Personnel in the Maternity Department of Selected Hospitals, West Bengal

Arunima Ghosh, Smritikana Mani

Abstract


Evidence suggests that in countries with a high maternal mortality like India, the fear of disrespect and abuse that women often encounter in facility-based maternity care is a more powerful deterrent to use of skilled care. The purpose of the study is to assess the level of adherence of health care personnel to each component of Respectful Maternity Care and also to find out the factors influencing non-adherence. A descriptive survey with non-probability purposive sampling was used. An observation checklist and both structured and unstructured interview schedule were administered on 92 health personnel to assess the level of adherence to RMC and reasons of non-adherence. Findings of the study depicts, in physical harm area, adherence among doctors, nursing personnel and Gr-D was 81.9%, 91.6%, 79.2% respectively, in the informed consent area 41.2% (doctors) and 61.1% (nursing personnel). Adherence in the area of choice and preferences was nil and in the area of confidentiality & privacy was 48.7% (doctors), 66.7% (nursing personnel) and 39.6% (Gr-Ds). Non-adherence in the area of dignity & respect was 25.6% (doctors), 18.4% (nursing personnel), 8.3% (Gr-Ds) and in the area of abandonment or denial of care 3.5% (doctors), 4.5% (nursing personnel), 43.7% (Gr-Ds). Adherence in the area of non-discriminatory care was 100% for all and 100% adherence was found in the area of detention against will among doctors and nursing personnel except among Gr-Ds (45.8%). No significant association was found between age, experiences and level of adherence of health personnel (doctor and nursing personnel) [(χ2df (1)=3.841, 0.474 & 0.287, p>0.05] respectively). No significant differences were found between level of adherence score of doctors with nursing personnel [t (78)=2.00, p>0.05]. As observed, adherence to RMC is not at the same level in each area. Least adherent areas are informed consent, choice/ preferences, privacy and detention against will among other personnel.

Keywords


Abuse, Health Personnel, Respectful Maternity Care, West Bengal

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