Promoting Dignity in Childbirth: Awareness and Practices of Respectful Maternity Care Among Nurses

Respectful maternity care is essential for childbearing women, recognizing childbirth as a profound experience of motherhood and personal competence. Striving to revolutionize maternal care, the White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) and transformative programs like the Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative (LaQshya), spearheaded by the WHO and the Government of India, are dedicated to bridging the gaps in intrapartum care and ensuring safer childbirth experiences. A study at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital in Chennai assessed awareness and practices of respectful maternity care among 60 staff nurses using a non-experimental descriptive design and tools like socio-demographic data and the MKP-RMC Scale. Results revealed that 25% of nurses had inadequate, 55% moderate, and 20% adequate knowledge, with practice scores indicating 20% poor, 45% average, and 35% good performance. A strong correlation (Pearson coefficient of 1.0) between knowledge and practice was identified, with younger nurses (21-30 years), those with DGNM qualifications, and those with over 30 years of experience scoring higher. The study highlights the need for enhanced training to improve maternity care quality and outcomes.