Obstetrical Violence: Women’s Experience at the Maman Elisabeth Domitien University Hospital Centre

Introduction: Access to the best quality of obstetrical care sometimes conceals acts and behaviors that fail to respect women’s physical, mental and social integrity. These negative experiences are referred to as obstetrical violence. The aim of this study is to contribute to improving the quality of maternal health care. Patient and Method: This was a cross-sectional study with a quantitative component carried out in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the Maman Elisabeth Domitien University Hospital from November 1 to 30, 2024. All women in childbed seen for postnatal consultations within 42 days of delivery were included. Results: We included 109 women. Age ranged from 16 to 44 years with a mean of 26.9 (±6.02). The majority of women were living in common-law unions with 79.8% and 57.8% of mothers having a secondary education level. More than half of the participants (52.9%) said that they had not been prepared for childbirth during prenatal follow-up and 44.0% had not freely chosen their path of delivery. The vaginal route was the most observed route of delivery (97.3%). Of all vaginal deliveries, episiotomy was performed in 21.7% and uterine revision in 66.0%. For episiotomies, 26.1% of women in childbed were informed about its performance and 87.0% had had a bad experience with this event. For women who had undergone a uterine revision, 52.9% had been informed of its performance and 77.1% had a bad experience with the event. Women in childbed had been victims of inappropriate acts and verbal aggression in 18.4% and 14.7% respectively. Of all the participants, 45.0% said they had experienced the birth episode badly. Conclusion: This study has given us an idea of the subject. However, a large-scale study will enable us to understand the different facets of this subject.