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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Women’s experiences, current practices and sustainable strategies to improve respectful maternity care in Rwanda: An appreciative inquiry approach
1
University of Rwanda, Midwifery, Kigali, Rwanda
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A319
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Childbirth is a profound human experience that requires respect and dignity. Previous research on Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) in Rwanda and beyond has predominantly focused on negative childbirth experiences and the undesirable behaviors of midwives toward mothers. This study addresses a critical gap by exploring the positive aspects of maternity care, highlighting respectful practices and strategies that can be sustained and strengthened.
OBJECTIVES:
To assess women’s experiences during health facility childbirth To explore midwives perspectives and practice on RMC To develop strategies for sustaining RMC in Eastern province hospitals of Rwanda.
METHODS:
We used Appreciative Inquiry (AI) to explore positive aspects of intrapartum care. The study was conducted in five hospitals using AI’s five-stage framework. A convergent parallel mixed-methods approach was used. The quantitative phase included a cross-sectional survey of 610 postpartum women, analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The qualitative phase involved 20 in-depth interviews and 20 focus group discussions with 95 midwives. Strategies were developed based on findings and validated by national and international experts.
RESULTS:
Only 5.9% have received all RMC items. High RMC was associated with marital status, occupation, and mode of delivery, with caesarean section linked to a higher likelihood of receiving RMC. Women emphasized they need compassionate treatment, effective communication, and mother-centred care, while midwives highlighted to improve professionalism, teamwork, and infrastructure improvements. Five strategies emerged: enhancing women-centred care, strengthening community trust, ensuring professional ethics, promoting supportive leadership, and improving facility environments. Validation scores for these strategies ranged from 85.6% to 91.25%, with an overall score of 89.75%.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is needed to improve and sustain the reported positive experiences and practices. We recommended the Ministry of Health integrate the developed strategies into national healthcare policies to ensure sustainable RMC
KEY MESSAGE:
Rwanda has made notable strides in improving RMC , but efforts to reach the highest standards continue Respectful maternity care 1
Childbirth is a profound human experience that requires respect and dignity. Previous research on Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) in Rwanda and beyond has predominantly focused on negative childbirth experiences and the undesirable behaviors of midwives toward mothers. This study addresses a critical gap by exploring the positive aspects of maternity care, highlighting respectful practices and strategies that can be sustained and strengthened.
OBJECTIVES:
To assess women’s experiences during health facility childbirth To explore midwives perspectives and practice on RMC To develop strategies for sustaining RMC in Eastern province hospitals of Rwanda.
METHODS:
We used Appreciative Inquiry (AI) to explore positive aspects of intrapartum care. The study was conducted in five hospitals using AI’s five-stage framework. A convergent parallel mixed-methods approach was used. The quantitative phase included a cross-sectional survey of 610 postpartum women, analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The qualitative phase involved 20 in-depth interviews and 20 focus group discussions with 95 midwives. Strategies were developed based on findings and validated by national and international experts.
RESULTS:
Only 5.9% have received all RMC items. High RMC was associated with marital status, occupation, and mode of delivery, with caesarean section linked to a higher likelihood of receiving RMC. Women emphasized they need compassionate treatment, effective communication, and mother-centred care, while midwives highlighted to improve professionalism, teamwork, and infrastructure improvements. Five strategies emerged: enhancing women-centred care, strengthening community trust, ensuring professional ethics, promoting supportive leadership, and improving facility environments. Validation scores for these strategies ranged from 85.6% to 91.25%, with an overall score of 89.75%.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is needed to improve and sustain the reported positive experiences and practices. We recommended the Ministry of Health integrate the developed strategies into national healthcare policies to ensure sustainable RMC
KEY MESSAGE:
Rwanda has made notable strides in improving RMC , but efforts to reach the highest standards continue Respectful maternity care 1
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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