Epidemiology of obstetric violence

A narrative review of the Brazilian context

Bibliographic Data

ID16826280
AuthorsThiago Henrique Leite (0000-0002-2861-4480, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro), Emanuely Santos Marques (0000-0002-8633-7290, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro), Rachel Geber Corrêa (0000-0001-8676-7613, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas), Maria Do Carmo Leal (0000-0002-3047-515X, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz), Bheatriz da Costa Diniz Olegário (0000-0001-5969-8894, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro), Rafaelle Mendes da Costa (0009-0004-5602-1393, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro), Marilia Arndt Mesenburg (0000-0001-9598-4193, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brasil; Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Ecuador)
Year2024
Volume29
Issue9
Publication date2024-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCiência & Saúde Coletiva (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1413-8123 • E-ISSN: 1678-4561
PublisherFapUNIFESP (SciELO) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1590/1413-81232024299.12222023en
SciELOS1413-81232024000900401
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited23

The aim of this review is to present the state of the art regarding obstetric violence in Brazil. The most commonly used terms are “obstetric violence,” “disrespect and abuse,” and “mistreatment”. Concerning measurement, the most widely used instrument is based on the definition of “mistreatment,” still in its early stages of evaluation and lacking adaptation to Brazil. The prevalence of obstetric violence varies widely in national studies due to methodological factors and the type of postpartum women considered. Regarding risk factors, adolescent or women over 35, non-white, with low education levels, users of the public health system (SUS), those who had vaginal birth or abortion, are at higher risk. Hierarchical relationships between the healthcare team and the family are also relevant, as well as inadequate hospital structures, bed shortages, and insufficient healthcare professionals, which contribute to obstetric violence. The consequences of this violence include an increased risk of postpartum depression and PTSD, reduced likelihood of attending postpartum and childcare consultations, and difficulties in exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions to mitigate obstetric violence should consider women’s empowerment, healthcare professionals’ training, monitoring obstetric violence, and legal support

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