Qualitative Study of Maternity Healthcare Vulnerability Based on Women's Experiences in Different Sociocultural Context.

Abstract

Background: Unfulfillment of maternity rights in healthcare is a global problem associated with abuse, neglect and discrimination, known as obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) vulnerability. Women's perceptions of their experience are a keystone to improving maternity healthcare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the women's perceptions of the vulnerability of maternity rights and the associated risk and protective factors. Methods: This study was carried out by qualitative techniques based on the analysis of a semi-structured interview applied to six women in the postpartum period with pregnancy assistance and birth in Spain and Colombia between February and August of 2024. A triangulation analysis was performed about the perceptions of the concept, experiences and risk and protective factors of OB/GYN vulnerability. The free-access ATLAS.ti software was used. Results: OB/GYN vulnerability is generally perceived by women with a psychological impact. Women think that their own factors (emotion management, social support, attitude to change and beliefs), health professional factors (burnout, empathy and social skills) and health institution factors (workload, centralization in technical and protocols, humanization, quality and access to recourses) have an influence to modulate the vulnerability of rights in maternity healthcare. Conclusions: It is necessary for health systems to move from a protocol-centered to a person-centered model, particularly in maternity healthcare. This model should include the biopsychosocial needs of women and allow for their participation. Health institutions need to evaluate their processes and minimize burnout in health professionals. In addition, there are factors affecting OB/GYN vulnerability not only in childbirth but also during pregnancy and postpartum.