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26-02-2024

Respectful Maternity Care in the United States—Characterizing Inequities Experienced by Birthing People

Authors: Suha J. Patel, Samantha Truong, Samantha DeAndrade, Julianne Jacober, Matthew Medina, Khady Diouf, Audra Meadows, Nawal Nour, Julianna Schantz-Dunn

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study is to understand experiences of respectful maternity care (RMC) from the perspective of birthing people in the United States from 2013 to 2018.

Methods

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey of United States birthing people ages 18–50 in April 2018 using SurveyMonkey Audience. Quantitative survey data consisted of demographics and responses to RMC indicators. Qualitative data consisted of comments from individuals regarding their birth experiences.

Results

1036 birthing people participated in the survey. Most births (95%) occurred in hospitals. 16.3% of Black or African American participants reported discrimination compared to 5.5% of participants who did not identify as Black or African American (p < 0.001). Participants who speak a language other than English were also more likely to report discrimination. 19.5% of all respondents felt neglected during their birth experience. Most prevalent experiences of disrespect and mistreatment were related to neglect (most commonly in postpartum phase of care), poor interpersonal communication, lack of respect for patient wishes, negative experience with breastfeeding services, peripartum complications, and discrimination.

Conclusion for Practice

Birthing people in the United States experience many forms of mistreatment, particularly those who identify as Black or African American or speak a language other than English. Patients described experiencing neglect most commonly after birth—an opportunity to improve the provision of RMC postpartum. Strategies to improve quality of maternal health care in the United States should include the provision of RMC as part of a larger effort to reduce inequities in maternal health experiences and outcomes.

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Title: Respectful Maternity Care in the United States—Characterizing Inequities Experienced by Birthing People
Authors: Suha J. Patel
Samantha Truong
Samantha DeAndrade
Julianne Jacober
Matthew Medina
Khady Diouf
Audra Meadows
Nawal Nour
Julianna Schantz-Dunn
Publication date: 26-02-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03893-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Respectful Maternity Care in the United States—Characterizing Inequities Experienced by Birthing People

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion for Practice

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion for Practice

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