Disrespectful, abusive, or neglectful situations toward puerperae in a brazilian maternity ward

Abstract

Objective: To explore situations of disrespect, abuse, or neglect toward puerperae during their stay at a maternity ward in the Brazilian countryside. Methods: Exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study with 27 puerperae aged 18–35 years, with low-risk pregnancies and signs of psychological distress. Data collection included postpartum sociodemographic information and semi-structured interviews. Symbolic interactionism guided the theoretical framework, and narrative analysis guided the methodological approach. Results: Twenty-four puerperae underwent cesarean section, and three had vaginal delivery. The narratives revealed two main findings: (I) The maternity ward environment witnessed disrespectful, abusive, or neglectful situations, verbal or physical in nature. Verbal abuse involved rudeness, insults, and lack of attentive care from healthcare professionals. Physical abuse included actions causing bodily harm. (II) Fragility, impatience, and insufficient time dedicated to mother-infant care by professionals. Narratives from women in shared rooms highlighted these patterns. Conclusion: Puerperae are vulnerable to disrespect, abuse, and neglect during hospitalization in maternity wards in rural Brazil. The findings confirm the persistence of dehumanized, aggressive, and unsafe obstetric care, emphasizing the need for strategies to improve professional attitudes, ensure respectful treatment, and promote patient safety.