Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How obstetric violence affects moms' mental health in low-income
By Mengesha MB et al.·2025·Department of Midwifery·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Obstetric violence across the maternal care continuum and its impact on women's perinatal mental health in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.
Plain-English summary
This research focuses on the serious issue of mistreatment and violence against women during pregnancy and childbirth, which can negatively affect their mental health. The study aims to gather and analyze existing evidence on how these harmful experiences impact women's mental well-being during and after pregnancy, especially in countries with limited healthcare resources. Researchers will review various types of studies to understand the extent of the problem and identify areas that need improvement. The findings will be shared through publications and presentations to raise awareness and encourage changes in healthcare practices. The outcome of this review will help highlight the need for better support for women during their maternal care.
Abstract
<h4>Introduction</h4>Mistreatment and obstetric violence constitute significant human rights violations with profound implications for maternal mental health. These detrimental practices persist globally, particularly in contexts where underfunded health systems, workforce shortages and entrenched gender inequalities intersect, depriving women of adequate psychosocial support and culturally sensitive mental healthcare. Although awareness of the immediate harms of mistreatment is increasing, its cumulative effects throughout the maternal care continuum remain insufficiently understood. This review will synthesise evidence on the impact of mistreatment on perinatal mental health, identify critical gaps and advocate for systemic change.<h4>Methods and analysis</h4>This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol complies with the guidelines set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. A thorough literature search will be executed across multiple electronic databases, including CINAHL-Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase via Ovid, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, as well as other significant or specialised databases and grey literature. The review will incorporate only non-randomised study types and observational studies (cohort, cross-sectional, case-control), along with mixed-method and qualitative studies. Abstract and full-text screening will be performed by two reviewers using Covidence. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies, the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated using the Higgins test. Meta-analysis will be conducted using R statistical software V.4.4.4, employing random effects models to determine the weights. The study results will be reported sequentially, beginning with primary outcomes, followed by secondary outcomes and significant subgroup outcome analyses.<h4>Ethics and dissemination</h4>Ethical approval is not required as no original data will be collected. The findings of this review will be disseminated through publication and conference presentations.<h4>Prospero registration number</h4>CRD420251044379.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41248398