Investigating the Level of Maternal Respect in the Obstetrics Department of Educational Hospitals of the East Region of Iran

Background: Disrespectful behavior during childbirth may lead to negative experiences that affect women's health long after delivery, mother-baby attachment, her future decisions about childbearing, and it is a clear against the professional ethics codes of caring for patients and pregnant mothers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۴۹۷ women who delivered and were hospitalized in the Obstetrics department in Iran. The sampeling method was available non-probability. The data collection tool included a demographic and midwifery characteristics questionnaire and the Mothers on Respect index (MORi). The data were analyzed by SPSS version ۲۵ software and descriptive statistics and correlation test were used. P value less than ۰.۰۵ was considered significant. Results: The mean total score of mother's respect was ۴۳.۰۱ ± ۷.۴۹. The average score of quality, rights and security dimensions of mother's respect was ۱۰.۴۴±۵.۶۰, ۹.۲۹±۵.۸۱ and ۲۳.۲۶±۸.۰۳, in order.  Conclusion: The overall level of honoring and commemorating mothers is at a “low” level. It is necessary to respect mothers during labor and delivery which can improve their quality of life. In addition, it is necessary to implement programs for midwifery health care providers to improve their knowledge and performance in the field of honoring mothers. Additionally, all mothers should be informed and empowered to know their health rights.

Keywords:

Maternal , Respect , Honor , Childbirth , Dignity , Human Rights