Obstetric violence in the European Union and the United Kingdom: reported magnitude, types and associated factors. An integrative mixed-methods review
e202611088
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67113/resp.v100i1.1448Keywords:
Obstetric violence, Obstetric nursing, Violence against women, Women’s rights, Respectful maternity care, Maternal healthAbstract
BACKGROUND // Obstetric violence lacks a consensual definition within the European Union and is not formally recognised in the legislation of its Member States. The available scientific evidence is heterogeneous in both its conceptualisation and measurement, particularly from the perspective of women who have experienced it. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, types, and associated factors of obstetric violence in the European Union and the United Kingdom, integrating women’s experiences and the available quantitative evidence.
METHODS // An integrative mixed-methods review was conducted between October and December 2024, enabling a narrative synthesis of the available evidence (quantitative and qualitative) on obstetric violence in countries of the European Union and the United Kingdom. The databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Enfispo were searched. Studies published between 2019 and 2024 in English or Spanish were included, focusing on women receiving care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in countries of the European Union and the United Kingdom. Studies reporting outcomes related to the prevalence, types, and associated factors of obstetric violence were selected.
RESULTS // Quantitative findings were synthesised descriptively through narrative synthesis, without meta-analysis. The ranges of prevalence reported in the literature ranged from 20% to 38.3%, and from 7.3% to 81% during childbirth, according to the included studies. The most frequently reported types were neglect of care, lack of consent, and discrimination. Associated factors identified included extreme maternal age, low educational level, specific childbirth characteristics, and care provided in private hospitals.
CONCLUSIONS // Obstetric violence shows a consistent presence across all stages of the obstetric process, with heterogeneous prevalence estimates. Non-consented care, discrimination, and neglect of care were the most frequently reported types. Sociodemographic and healthcare system-related factors appear to be associated with its occurrence.
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