Perceptions of Pregnant Women Regarding Respectful Maternity Care in Low-Resource Urban Clinics

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 78–86

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000141

Original Research Article

Title: Perceptions of Pregnant Women Regarding Respectful Maternity Care in Low-Resource Urban Clinics

Names of Authors: Sarah L. Tetteh¹, Mariama S. Diallo²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
²Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea

Abstract:
Obstetric disrespect and clinical abuse during facility childbirth represent major human rights violations that deter vulnerable women from utilizing professional maternal healthcare spaces. This mixed-methods study explored the perceptions, structural violations, and satisfaction levels regarding respectful maternity care (RMC) among pregnant and postpartum women in urban public clinics. Quantitative exit interviews were conducted with 240 postpartum women, while qualitative depth was gathered via six focus group discussions. The quantitative feedback revealed that 45.8% of the mothers experienced at least one distinct form of disrespect or clinical abuse during labor. Verbal abuse (32.5%), non-consensual procedures (26.7%), and a profound lack of physical privacy during vaginal examinations (61.3%) were the most prevalent manifestations. Qualitative narratives highlighted themes of systemic vulnerability, where overworked midwives were perceived as aggressive or detached due to high delivery volumes. Positive satisfaction scores were tightly bound to the allowance of a supportive birth companion during early labor. The study indicates that obstetric disrespect remains highly prevalent in underfunded settings. Reforming care models requires mandatory midwives' human rights training, clinic renovations to secure patient privacy, and clear administrative accountability channels.

Keywords: Respectful Maternity Care; Obstetric Abuse; Urban Health Clinics; Patient Satisfaction; Midwifery Ethics; Midwife-Patient Communication.

Manuscript Timeline: Received May 28, 2026; Revised July 10, 2026; Accepted July 27, 2026; Published August 20, 2026.

Citation: Tetteh, S. L., & Diallo, M. S. (2026). Perceptions of Pregnant Women Regarding Respectful Maternity Care in Low-Resource Urban Clinics. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(8), 78–86.

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