Respectful Maternal Care Initiative: Experiences at a Tertiary Care Center in Haryana

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is a part of the prescribed standard of health care norms globally today. The RMC has been defined under seven broad domains, which are useful in identifying and quantifying maternal disrespect and abuse and dealing with solutions. Evidence on the nature and frequency of maternal disrespect and abuse is essential for effective policy and advocacy. The present study is directed to assess the current status of RMC. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary care center over a period of 3 months. A total of 220 women who delivered at our institute during the data collection period and met inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. Data were collected using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire based on seven major categories per the respectful maternity care (RMC) charter and included sociodemographic details of respondents. Results: Of all, nearly half of them experienced at least one or theother form of disrespect during their labor, childbirth, or postnatal period at the hospital. The lowest mean scoring was seen in domains of confidential care (3.32), dignified care (3.07), and abuse related to cost of detention (3.38). Conclusion: Although mothers are noticing and reporting positive changes in maternity care practices, respectful maternity care still has miles to go. Effective and sustainable measures need to be implemented within the context of the Indian health system to stop the disrespect and abuse surrounding childbirth!