Disrespect and Abuse during Childbirth in Public Health Facilities in Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Even though compassionate respectful maternity care during childbirth is an important component in improving the quality of maternal health care service and its utilization, evidence shows burden and associated factors of disrespect and abuse were limited in Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess disrespect and abuse during childbirth and associated factors among women gave birth in public health facilities in East Hararghe Zone, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 530 women gave birth in randomly selected public health facilities in East Hararghe zone from 01 to 30 April 2020. All eligible women gave birth in the facilities were interviewed using structured questionnaire. Data entered using EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with disrespect and abuse during childbirth. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report association. A p-value less than 0.05 were used to declare as statistically significantly associated with the dependent variable. Results: overall 77% (95% CI: 73%, 81%) of women reported at least one types of disrespect and abuse during childbirth. Women having monthly income less than 2000 Birr (AOR=2.29, 95% CI: 1.41, 3.71), living greater than 30 minute away from nearby health facilities (AOR= 2.10 95% CI: 1.30, 3.39), not attended ANC visit (AOR=4.29, 95% CI: 2.17, 8.52), and delivered during nighttime (AOR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.37, 3.41) were more likely reported disrespect and abuse during childbirth. Conclusion: Almost four in every five women delivered in public health facilities in East Hararghe zone were disrespected and abused during childbirth. Encouraging all pregnant women to attend ANC visit and improving the quality of health care service during nighttime in all health facilities is essential for reducing disrespect and abuse.