Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences
Designation
Rithughosh K P (MSc Nursing student, Government Nursing College, Kannur, Kerala, India), Sreeja G Pillai (Professor cum vice principal, Government Nursing College, Kannur, Kerala, India).
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR : Sreeja G Pillai (Professor cum vice principal, Government Nursing College, Kannur, Kerala, India). Email: sreejanavaneeth@gmail.com
Abstract
Introduction: Every woman has the right to receive Respectful Maternity Care(RMC). Evidence of disrespect and abuse is reported globally. In India, almost every woman goes through some level of disrespect and abuse during childbirth, even though studies on RMC among postnatal mothers of Indian and Kerala origin are scarce. So, exploring this would be of great use in evidence-based fine-tuning of RMC services to promote quality maternal and newborn care. Objective: Assess the perceptions regarding RMC among postnatal mothers. Methodology: Quantitative approach with descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 250 postnatal mothers based on consecutive sampling and sampling criteria in the postnatal wards of selected hospitals at Kannur district, Kerala. Data were collected using an interview schedule and a five-point RMC rating scale. The protocol of RMC was developed by the investigator. Result: Most mothers(76.0%) have a moderate perception of RMC. The score regarding RMC among postnatal mothers is higher in the domain “Abusive free and discrimination free care” with a median 53.0 with IQR 5, and the lowest score is reported in the domain “providing comfort”. There is a significant association between perception regarding RMC among postnatal mothers with socio-personal variables like religion, monthly income, and residence(p0.05). The predictors such as age(AOR=0.81(0.60-1.10),P=0.178), religion(AOR=0.56(0.29-1.07),P=0.061),monthly income(AOR=1.54(0.76-3.10),P=0.230) and residence(AOR=0.42(0.17-1.04),P=0.061) are not statistically significant with the perception regarding RMC among postnatal mothers. Conclusions:This study has highlighted the need to promote RMC by providing dignified and women-centred care, implementing evidence-based care and providing an appropriate environment for women, families, and caregivers.
The study is registered under Clinical Trial Registry as per number:
CTRI/2022/01/039181 dated on 05/01/2022.