DOI: 10.5061/dryad.db35344
title: Data from: Women's experiences of mistreatment during childbirth: a comparative view of home- and facility-based births in Pakistan

description: Introduction: Respectful and dignified healthcare is a fundamental right
 for every woman. However, many women seeking childbirth services,
 especially those in low-income countries such as Pakistan, are mistreated
 by their birth attendants. The aim of this epidemiological study was to
 estimate the prevalence of mistreatment and types of mistreatment among
 women giving birth in facility- and home-based settings in Pakistan in
 order to address the lack of empirical evidence on this topic. The study
 also examined the association between demographics (socio-demographic,
 reproductive history and empowerment status) and mistreatment, both in
 general and according to birth setting (whether home- or facility-based).
 Material and methods: In phase one, we identified 24 mistreatment
 indicators through an extensive literature review. We then pre-tested
 these indicators and classified them into seven behavioural types. During
 phase two, the survey was conducted (April-May 2013) in 14 districts
 across Pakistan. A total of 1,334 women who had given birth at home or in
 a healthcare facility over the past 12 months were interviewed. Linear
 regression analysis was employed for the full data set, and for facility-
 and home-based births separately, using Stata version 14.1. Results: There
 were no significant differences in manifestations of mistreatment between
 facility- and home-based childbirths. Approximately 97% of women reported
 experiencing at least one disrespectful and abusive behaviour. Experiences
 of mistreatment by type were as follows: non-consented care (81%); right
 to information (72%); non-confidential care (69%); verbal abuse (35%);
 abandonment of care (32%); discriminatory care (15%); and physical abuse
 (15%). In overall analysis, experience of mistreatment was lower among
 women who were unemployed (β = -1.17, 95% CI -1.81, -0.53); and higher
 among less empowered women (β = 0.11, 95% CI 0.06, 0.16); and those
 assisted by a traditional birth attendant as opposed to a general
 physician (β = 0.94, 95% CI 0.13, 1.75). Sub-group analyses for home-based
 births identified the same significant associations with mistreatment,
 with ethnicity included. In facility-based births, there was a significant
 relationship between women's employment and empowerment status and
 mistreatment. Women with prior education on birth preparedness were less
 likely to experience mistreatment compared to those who had received no
 previous birth preparedness education. Conclusion: In order to promote
 care that is woman-centred and provided in a respectful and culturally
 appropriate manner, service providers should be cognisant of the current
 situation and ensure provision of quality antenatal care. At the community
 level, women should seek antenatal care for improved birth preparedness,
 while at the interpersonal level strategies should be devised to leverage
 women's ability to participate in key household decisions.
description: Mistreatment
 dataThe survey was conducted
 (April-May 2013) in 14 districts across Pakistan. A total of 1,334 women
 who had given birth at home or in a healthcare facility over the past 12
 months were interviewed.