A Phenomenological Study of Women's Lived Experiences of Disrespect and Abuse in Maternal and Child Health Services (MCH) in Lusaka District, Zambia

Disrespect and abuse during maternal and child health (MCH) service provision remain persistent challenges that undermine women's dignity, trust and utilization of healthcare services. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of women receiving MCH care in Lusaka District, Zambia and examined how such experiences influence emotional well-being, healthcare-seeking behavior and overall satisfaction with services. Guided by Humanistic Nursing Theory and a phenomenological approach informed by van Manen, in-depth interviews were conducted with postnatal women attending three public Level 1 health facilities. Data were analyzed through iterative reading, identification of significant statements, formulation of meaning units and thematic synthesis.Findings revealed interrelated experiences of dehumanizing communication, neglect during labor and exclusion from decision-making and moral judgment, alongside occasional pockets of compassionate care. These experiences generated emotional harm, fear, humiliation and erosion of trust in healthcare providers. Consequently, many women reported delayed antenatal attendance, reluctance to return to facilities or consideration of alternative birth options despite financial constraints. A psychosocial pathway emerged in which disrespectful care triggered emotional harm and loss of trust, leading to altered healthcare-seeking behavior and reduced satisfaction with services.The study contributes to respectful maternity care scholarship by demonstrating that relational aspects of care are central determinants of maternal service utilization and perceived quality. It recommends strengthening respectful communication, accountability mechanisms and humanistic nursing practice within MCH settings to improve women's experiences and maternal health outcomes in Zambia.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Zulu, Brenda

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mumba, Mercy M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bianchi, Ann
• Amiri, Azita
• Henry, Carrie
• Kwaleyela, Conceptor N.

• Disrespect and abuse
• Health seeking behavior
• maternal Health services
• phenomenology
• Respectful maternity care
• Zambia

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

1234510

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/18095