Background: Obstetric violence (OV) is a widespread post antenatal phenomenon all around the globe and threatens the provision of respectful, dignified and autonomy-based childbirth for women. Previous research indicates that the consequence of OV is devastating for women’s human right, health, and childbirth experiences. Furthermore, previous studies have also highlighted the increased numbers of elective cesarean section because of fear to exposed to OV during childbirth. The aim of this study is to illuminate the risk factors associated with obstetric violence in the private and public financed hospital and the need of ethical aspects.
Methods: Systematic reviews were performed and a comprehensive data extraction from 1996 to 2022 were conducted in databases PubMed, CINAHL and Web of science. Mesh terms and Cinahl headings used to identify the relevant literature based on the concept obstetric violence. In total 330 scientific articles were analyzed, condensed, and generated the results.
Discussion/Conclusion: Preliminary results shows that risk factors that is associated with the prevalence of obstetric violence is more likely to appear in the public financed hospital compare with private. This includes the lack of resources, staff/shortage/work overload, organizational and medical hierarchy (culture of abuse), women’s socioeconomical backgrounds and education, social status and family support, age, physical appearance, patients’ advocacy, lack of legal protection and patient organization, lack of ethical guidelines and principles. The result also indicates a great need for ethical reflection groups among healthcare providers in both private and public financed hospital delivery unit.
Consequences: Women who are exposed to OV are more likely to develop postnatal depression and anxiety. This could have a huge impact on women’s’ lactation and care for the infant (difficulty bonding). Distrust to the healthcare system (ethical and legal aspects) could lead to choices such as home birth which means higher risks and complications for women’s health in terms of infections, hypertension, bleeding, newborn injuries, or death.
Future studies need to focus on the hypothesis:
- Obstetric violence could have negative impact on pro-natalist society with lower childbirth rate consequently.
- Postpartum depression could enhance the risk for trigger a shaken baby syndrome.
2022.