Obstetric Violence and Its Associated Factors Among HIV-Positive Women Receiving Birth Care at Public Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Obstetric violence is an emerging health problem in the utilization of maternal health services. In the study context, there was limited evidence on obstetric violence. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess obstetric violence and its associated factors among HIV-positive women who received birth care at public health facilities, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Results: A total of 318 HIV-positive women participated in this study, yielding a 100% response rate. In this study, 79% of the HIV-positive women reported that they had been subjected to at least one form of obstetric violence during birth care. The top three reported forms of obstetric violence were as follows: 249 (78.3%) failed to provide informed consent, 227 (71.4%) did not complete medical procedures and 140 (44%) did not suffer life-threatening complications. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female birth status (AOR= 2.85; 95% CI 1.57, 5.15), fewer than three ANC visits (AOR= 2.99; 95% CI 1.39, 6.45), age >35 years old (AOR= 2.47; 95% CI 1.25, 4.90) and primary school attendance (AOR= 2.13; 95% CI 1.08, 4.17) were significantly associated with obstetric violence. This study revealed a high prevalence of obstetric violence among HIV -positive women. Hence, mitigation needs to be undertaken by taking the reported forms of obstetrics obstetric violence, and socio-demographic and obstetric variables by ensuring a systematic and strategic intervention for quality birth care utilization through the involvement of families, communities, the government and stakeholders.