A qualitative inquiry into pregnant women’s perceptions of respectful maternity care during childbirth in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Figures & data

Table 1. Socio-demographic characteristics of FGD participants

Socio-demographic characteristics	Primary Health Facility		Secondary Health Facility
	Primigravida (n = 14) Freq (%)	Multipara (n = 12) Freq (%)	Primigravida (n = 12) Freq (%)	Multipara (n = 12) Freq (%)
Age (in years)
18–24	9 (64.3)	0 (0.0)	2 (16.7)	0 (0.0)
25–35 years	4 (28.6)	9 (75.0)	10 (83.3)	7 (58.3)
>35 years	1 (7.1)	3 (25.0)	0 (0.0)	5 (41.7)
Age in years (median, IQR)	23.5 (20–29)	31 (29–36)	28 (26–31)	34 (33–37)
Highest level of education
Primary	1 (7.1)	0 (0.0)	0 (0.0)	0 (0.0)
Secondary	10 (71.4)	9 (75.0)	4 (33.3)	3 (25.0)
Tertiary	3 (21.4)	3 (25.0)	8 (66.7)	9 (75.0)
Marital status
Single	3 (21.4)	0 (0.0)	0 (0.0)	0 (0.0)
Married	11 (78.6)	12 (100.0)	12 (100.0)	12 (100.0)
Occupation
Student	0 (0.0)	0 (0.0)	0 (0.0)	1 (8.3)
Artisan (tailor, hairdresser, etc.)	8 (57.1)	4 (33.3)	2 (16.7)	1 (8.3)
Trading/Business	4 (28.6)	4 (33.3)	3 (25.0)	7 (58.3)
Civil servant/Private employee	2 (14.3)	4 (33.3)	7 (58.3)	3 (25.0)

Table 2. Obstetric history of multiparous women

Delivery site history	Primary health facilities (n = 12)	Secondary health facilities (n = 12)
Ever delivered at same facility
Yes	9 (75.0)	11 (91.7)
No	3 (25.0)	1 (8.3)
Ever delivered at:
Home	1 (8.3)	0
Church/Mosque/ TBA	2 (16.7)	0

Table 3. Relating the 12 domains of respectful maternity care to women’s perceptions

	Global 12 Domains	Domains’ definitions from the literature	Relationship with women’s perceptions
1	Being free from harm and mistreatment	Not using loud voice, have a warm and measured manner, give professional treatment	Similar to the norms A few normalised disrespect to women
2	Maintaining privacy and confidentiality	Privacy during examinations and procedures; shield from visitors, other women and men; limit number of attending staff; maintain secrets about their health	Perceptions significantly deviated from the norms. Only a few insisted on ensuring privacy
3	Preserving women’s dignity	Positive labour ward atmosphere; make woman feel welcomed, kind attitudes, calm, tactful, warm, smiling, caring, treat woman as an individual with preferences and differences, respect their cultures, values and beliefs.	Women’s perceptions on RMC related mainly to ensuring this domain
4	Provision of information and getting informed consent	Provide information ask permissions before procedures, obtain consent	Agreed with provision of information. Obtaining consent was not always seen as necessary
5	Ensuring continuous access to family support	Have birth companions, physical structure should enable companions	Majority didn’t see this as necessary
6	Enhancing quality of physical environment and resources	Provide comfortable, clean and calming birth environment; adequate beddings; regular water supply and electricity with medical & non-medical technologies	There were no RMC perceptions relating to this domain
7	Providing equitable maternal care	Availability of services regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality and religion	Perceptions were similar to the norms
8	Engaging with effective communication	Give verbal praise and encouragement; provide emotional support; talking to & listening to the women; show empathy; practice effective non-verbal communication; provide interpreters	Perceptions were similar to the norms
9	Provision of efficient and effective care	Minimal delays/prompt attention; minimal interventions (episiotomy; vaginal examination, urinary catheter)	Perceptions were similar to the norms
10	Availability of competent and motivated staff	Have adequate and proficient staff; competent and supportive supervision.	Perceptions were similar to the norms
11	Continuity of care	Cared for by familiar staff, available on demand with no abandonment	Perceptions were similar to the norms
12	Respecting women’s choices that strengthens their capabilities to give birth	Respecting women’s decision on birth positions, mobility during labour and fluid intake during labour.	Women’s perceptions deviated from the norms for all the issues raised