Manita Dalal, College of Nursing, AIIMS, India

Manita Dalal

College of Nursing, AIIMS, India

Presentation Title:

Disrespect and abuse in maternity care in Delhi NCR

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the magnitude of disrespect and abuse and perceived quality and satisfaction among mothers in selected hospitals of Delhi NCR. It was a facility based cross-sectional study which was conducted among 100 women who delivered between 15th July 2024 to 15th August 2024 at two Civil Hospitals of Faridabad and Ballabhgarh district of Delhi NCR in India. Mothers admitted in postnatal wards after normal vaginal deliveries were interviewed using Disrespect and abuse interview schedule and perceived quality and satisfaction scale. All mothers (N=100) in the study experienced at least one form of disrespect and abuse during childbirth. The most prevalent was non-consented care, followed by non-confidential care, non-dignified care, physical abuse, discrimination, and detention. Every mother reported PV examinations without consent; 56% reported body exposure in front of non-healthcare providers. Some witnessed others delivering alone in inappropriate settings (5%), while 34.85% underwent episiotomy stitching without anesthesia. Additionally, 30% reported being asked for bribes. Although 98% denied physical abuse, 2% reported being hit by nurses during labor. A significant negative correlation was found between disrespect and abuse scores and mothers' perceived quality of care and satisfaction (p<0.01), highlighting the urgent need for respectful maternity care interventions. The study highlights a universal experience of disrespect and abuse among mothers during childbirth, significantly lowering their perceived quality of care and satisfaction. 

Biography

Manita Dalal is presently pursuing her Ph.D. in Nursing from the National Consortium under the Indian Nursing Council. With over a decade of professional experience, Manita has held various positions, including Training Coordinator, Clinical Instructor, and Assistant Professor. She has been associated with AIIMS for the past five years, where she has guided more than 50 undergraduate nursing students in their research projects. Her expertise lies in the field of Respectful Maternity Care, with specific training in Midwifery Simulation Techniques from the National Reference Simulation Centre and as a certified trainer in Respectful Maternity Care using Simulation by PRONTO Organization. She has also undergone specialized training in Qualitative Research at AIIMS. Manita has organized an ICMR-funded workshop on Respectful Maternity Care for Nurses, showcasing her commitment to enhancing nursing education and practice. In addition to her teaching and training roles, Manita has contributed to the field of nursing through her research, with five publications in indexed national and international journals. Her dedication to advancing nursing education and promoting respectful maternity care underscores her professional journey.