Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) during Facility-based Childbirth: A Cross-Sectional Study among Postnatal Mothers in a Tertiary Health Care Facility in Kolkata

A BSTRACT Introduction: Few studies have been conducted regarding Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) globally which revealed prevalence of disrespect and abuse during labor ranged from 15% in Tanzania to 90% in Nigeria and Peru. However, there is a dearth of study in this part of India regarding RMC. Objectives: To assess the status of RMC during facility-based childbirth among postnatal mothers in a tertiary health care facility in Kolkata and to determine the factors associated with RMC among them. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 postnatal mothers in a tertiary care health facility in Kolkata using a predesigned, pretested structured schedule. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: About 62.4% of the study population said to have got RMC and the rest 37.6% faced at least one form of disrespect and abuse. Significant associations were found between RMC and individual factors like age, caste, education, qualification, duration of marriage, number of family members, and per capita family income. Conclusion: The provision of RMC is a behavioral change issue in India where some progress has been made. However, much work still needs to be done in this respect. Women’s experiences with maternity providers can empower and comfort the mothers or may cause long-lasting emotional trauma and damage.