Published in PLOS One on 2026-04-16, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Ayanos Taye, Tefera Belachew
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0347100
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
The World Health Organization recognizes every woman has the right to respectful and dignified care during childbirth. However, a significant number of women experienced obstetric violence (OV) acts or omissions causing harm, violating rights, or undermining autonomy, remains prevalent globally, including in Ethiopia where women’s knowledge gaps and unfavorable attitudes perpetuate it due to limited rights awareness and cultural norms. In southwest Ethiopia, evidence on women’s knowledge, attitudes, childbirth experience related to OV, and their determinants among facility-based deliveries is scarce. This study thus investigates these factors among mothers delivering in public health facilities.
An institutional-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 women in public hospitals of the Jimma zone from August 12 to October 12, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects for structured, pre-tested face-to-face exit interviews. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Then, factors that showed significant associations in a bivariable linear regression model were added to multivariable linear regression models. Variables that had a P-value of < 0.05 in the multivariable model were considered statistically significant. Finaly, the results were presented using texts, tables and graphs.
The present study showed that more than two-thirds of women had a knowledge about universal rights during childbirth with a mean score of 14.89 ± 6.76, 68). About two out of three participants had unfavorable attitude towards childbirth experience (mean 33.55 ± 4.91, 66%) and experienced OV (mean 67.09 ± 11.79, 64%) during labor and childbirth.
Women living in urban areas (β = −4.69, 95% CI: −6.41, −2.96), those with antenatal care (ANC) contacts (β = −9.65, 95% CI: −11.18, −8.11), who gave birth at night (β = 4.06, 95% CI: 2.42, 5.70), and without obstetric complications (β = −8.07, 95% CI: −9.98, −6.16) showed significant associations with obstetric violence.
ANC contacts (β = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.02, 4.45) and companion utilization (β = 4.87, 95% CI: 2.14, 7.59) positively associated with women’s knowledge levels.
Absence of obstetric complications (β = −3.06, 95% CI: −4.00, −2.11), urban residence (β = −1.89, 95% CI: (−2.86, −1.01) and ANC contacts (β = −3.36, 95% CI: −4.13, −2.59) were associated with unfavorable attitudes toward childbirth experience related to obstetric violence.
The study revealed that more than two-thirds of participants had relatively lower knowledge of childbirth rights. Likewise, approximately two-thirds held unfavorable attitudes and experienced obstetric violence (OV). The most commonly reported forms OV were non-dignified care, non-consented care, and physical abuse. Sociodemographic factors (residence, maternal occupation) and maternal factors (ANC contacts, obstetric complications, companion utilization) associated with women’s knowledge, attitudes, and childbirth experience related to OV.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Ayanos Taye, Tefera Belachew. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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