Studies of disrespect and abuse/mistreatment/obstetric violence during pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium have increased in recent decades. However, researchers interested in the subject face many theoretical and methodological difficulties. In this sense, the objective of this study is to discuss and reflect on how issues related to definition and terminology, measurement and public policies in Brazil have made it difficult to research this topic as well as to mitigate these acts. The first problem addressed was the lack of consensus regarding the terminology and definition of this construct. This situation causes a cascading effect, impacting on the use of non-validated measurement instruments and, consequently, a lack of accuracy and comparability between studies. Another issue mentioned is the lack of studies exploring the consequences of these acts on women\'s and newborn\'s health, which is one of the main gaps on the subject today. The absence of causal studies impacts health decision making, impairing the elaboration of specific public policies.
Keywords:
Violence; Violence against women; Pregnancy; Childbirth; Puerperium; Epidemiology.
Disrespect and abuse, mistreatment and obstetric violence: a challenge for epidemiology and public health in Brazil
Resumo (abstract):
Studies of disrespect and abuse/mistreatment/obstetric violence during pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium have increased in recent decades. However, researchers interested in the subject face many theoretical and methodological difficulties. In this sense, the objective of this study is to discuss and reflect on how issues related to definition and terminology, measurement and public policies in Brazil have made it difficult to research this topic as well as to mitigate these acts. The first problem addressed was the lack of consensus regarding the terminology and definition of this construct. This situation causes a cascading effect, impacting on the use of non-validated measurement instruments and, consequently, a lack of accuracy and comparability between studies. Another issue mentioned is the lack of studies exploring the consequences of these acts on women\'s and newborn\'s health, which is one of the main gaps on the subject today. The absence of causal studies impacts health decision making, impairing the elaboration of specific public policies.
Palavras-chave (keywords):
Violence; Violence against women; Pregnancy; Childbirth; Puerperium; Epidemiology.
