RESPECTFUL MATERNITY CARE— EVALUATING THE EXPERIENCES AND OUTCOMES OF MATERNITY CARE AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN CENTRAL INDIA

Background: Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) emphasizes dignity, respect, and autonomy during childbirth. This study evaluates perceptions of RMC and associated factors at JK Hospital and LN Medical College, Bhopal. Objective: To assess women’s perceptions and experiences of RMC, identify demographic and socio-economic factors associated with RMC, and explore the impact of RMC on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over six months in the postnatal ward of JK Hospital. Data were collected from 80 women aged 18 years and above who gave birth at the hospital. The Mothers on Respect (MOR) Index was used to measure RMC. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations. Results: Among 80 participants: High, medium, and low levels of RMC was reported by 50%, 40%, and 10% participants, respectively. Higher RMC scores were associated with maternal age (p=0.043), education (p<0.0001), socio-economic status (p=0.015), parity (p=0.010), residence (p=0.025), and ANC visits (p=0.004). Women in the high RMC group were more likely to have planned pregnancies (75%), discuss delivery plans with their partners (87.5%), and experience spontaneous labor (90%). Maternal satisfaction was higher in the high RMC group, with 90% willing to give birth at the same facility again, compared to 75% in the low RMC group, where dissatisfaction with care was a key reason for hesitation. Conclusions: Improving RMC can enhance childbirth experiences and support maternal health. Targeted interventions should address socio-economic disparities and promote respectful care practices.