Frecuencia de la violencia obstétrica en usuarias atendidas en el área de gineco-obstetricia del Hospital Homero Castanier Crespo 2025

Abstract

Background: Obstetric violence is a form of abuse perpetrated by healthcare personnel against women during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. It includes practices such as denial of care, humiliating comments, interventions without consent, and dehumanization. This violence violates reproductive rights and affects women's physical and emotional health, especially in contexts where the medical system does not respect their autonomy or dignity. Objective: To determine the frequency of obstetric violence in users treated in the gynecology-obstetrics area of the Homero Castanier Crespo 2025 Hospital. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using the Obstetric Violence Scale of the University of Talca, Chile. The questionnaire was administered to 89 women treated in the gynecology-obstetrics area of the Homero Castanier Crespo Hospital between February and March 2025, who met the inclusion criteria and signed the informed consent/assent. Results: 32.6% of the study population was a victim of obstetric violence. The average age was 27 years. 59.6% had completed secondary education, 39.3% were in a common-law relationship, 77.5% identified as mixed-race, 53.8% lived in urban areas, and 58.4% were multiparous. Regarding the perception of obstetric violence, 20.2% had a low perception, 9% a moderate perception, and 3.4% a high perception. Conclusions: The frequency of obstetric violence was 32.6% of the population; 1 in 3 women perceived obstetric violence at any intensity.