Table 1 Categories and types of disrespect and abuse reported by mothers during childbirth, Addis Ababa, 2013

The woman is protected from physical harm or ill treatment.

• The provider used physical force /slapped me/hit me (n = 171)

4 (2.3%)

• I was physically restrained (n = 168)

6 (3.5%)

• I was separated from my baby without medical indication (n = 172)

4 (2.3%)

• I was denied food or fluid in labor unless medically necessitated (n = 173)

1 (0.6%)

• I did not receive comfort/pain-relief as necessary (n = 173)

41 (23.7%)

• The providers did not demonstrate caring in a culturally appropriate way (n = 173)

16 (9.2%)

The woman’s right to information, informed consent, and choice/preferences is protected.

• The provider did not introduce himself/herself to me and my companion (n = 172)

154 (89.0%)

• The provider did not encourage me to ask questions (n = 172)

109 (63.0%)

• The provider did not respond to my questions with promptness, politeness, and truthfulness (n = 173)

8 (4.6%)

• The provider did not explain to me what is being done and what to expect throughout labor and birth (n = 172)

75 (43.4%)

• The provider did not give me periodic updates on status and progress of my labor (n = 170)

57 (32.9%)

• The provider did not allow me to move about during labor (n = 172)

35 (20.2%)

• The provider did not allow to assume position of choice during birth (n = 172)

19 (11.0%)

• The provider did not obtain my consent or permission prior to any procedure (n = 173)

83 (48.0%)

The woman’s confidentiality and privacy is protected.

• The provider did not use curtains or other visual barriers to protect me (n = 172)

37 (21.4%)

The woman is treated with dignity and respect.

• The provider did not speak to me politely (n = 172)

15 (8.7%)

• The provider made insults, intimidation, threats, or coerced me (n = 172)

13 (7.5%)

The woman receives equitable care, free of discrimination.

• The provider spoke to me in a language and at a language-level that I cannot understand (n = 171)

33 (19.1%)

• The provider showed disrespect to me based on any specific attribute (n = 173)

5 (2.9%)

The woman is never left without care/attention.

• The provider did not encourage me to call if needed (n = 172)

51 (29.5%)

• The provider did not come quickly when I called him/her (n = 173)

8 (4.6%)

• The provider left me alone or unattended (n = 173)

40 (23.1%)

The woman is never detained or confined against her will.

• I was detained in health facility against my will (n = 173)

1 (0.6%)