Relationship between the perception of disrespectful treatment and abuse during childbirth and the risk of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder: a PPQ-based study
Problem: Childbirth is often portrayed as a positive and empowering experience, yet for many women, it can result in negative emotional outcomes, which may contribute to the development of postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Understanding the association between perceived abuse during...
| Autores: | , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha |
| Repositorio: | RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/47836 |
| Acceso en línea: | http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2025.1568446 https://hdl.handle.net/10578/47836 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Abuse Obstetric violence Postpartum Post-traumatic stress disorder Women’s mental health |
| Sumario: | Problem: Childbirth is often portrayed as a positive and empowering experience, yet for many women, it can result in negative emotional outcomes, which may contribute to the development of postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Understanding the association between perceived abuse during childbirth and PTSD is crucial for improving maternal care. Background: Research shows that disrespectful and abusive treatment during childbirth is linked to psychological distress and PTSD. However, the correlation between perceived abuse and PTSD in postpartum women remains underexplored. Aim: To determine the association between the woman’s perception of abuse during childbirth and the risk of developing PTSD postpartum, as well as to analyze related risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 2,912 women in Spain who gave birth in the last 18 months. The Childbirth Abuse and Respect Evaluation- Maternal Questionnaire (CARE-MQ) assessed perceived abuse, while the Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire (PPQ) measured PTSD risk. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. Findings: Higher CARE-MQ scores were positively correlated with PTSD risk, especially in the “inadequate treatment by professionals” dimension (r=0.56). Extreme perception of abuse (=95th percentile) increased the PTSD risk (aOR= 34.72). Additional risk factors included extremely premature birth, unrespected birth plans, complications, type of birth and emergency cesarean sections. Discussion: Perceived mistreatment and inadequate professional care strongly correlate with PTSD risk. Conclusion: Addressing these factors—along with other identified risks— |
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