Midwifery Students’ Perceptions of Obstetric Violence: A Cross-Sectional Study in Türkiye

Abstract

Purpose: To determine midwifery students’ perceptions of obstetric violence and related factors. Material and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at a state university in western Türkiye with 119 midwifery students in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years. Data were collected between February 10 and March 10, 2025, using a Personal Information Form and the Obstetric Violence Perception Scale (OVPS). The scale demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.88). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The mean OVPS score was 99.61 ± 14.11, indicating above-moderate perception levels. Significant differences were found according to grade level (p=0.018), witnessing at least one birth (p=0.009), and belief that women are treated differently according to their economic status (p=0.044). Younger students showed higher perception scores (r=-0.283, p=0.002). Conclusion: Midwifery students’ perceptions of obstetric violence were above moderate levels and influenced by sociodemographic and experiential factors. Educational programs should integrate respectful maternity care, human rights, and trauma-informed approaches to strengthen students’ awareness and reduce obstetric violence in future clinical practice. Keywords: Education, Midwifery students, Obstetric violence, Perceptions, Türkiye

Keywords

• Education
• Midwifery students
• Obstetric violence
• Perceptions
• Türkiye

Ebelik Öğrencilerinin Obstetrik Şiddet Algıları: Türkiye’de Yapılan Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Abstract

Amaç: Ebelik öğrencilerinin obstetrik şiddet algılarını ve ilişkili faktörleri belirlemek. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel araştırma, Türkiye’nin batısında yer alan bir devlet üniversitesinde, 2., 3. ve 4. sınıfta öğrenim gören 119 ebelik öğrencisi ile yürütülmüştür. Veriler 10 Şubat–10 Mart 2025 tarihleri arasında Kişisel Bilgi Formu ve Obstetrik Şiddet Algısı Ölçeği (OVPS) kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Ölçek yüksek güvenirlik göstermiştir (Cronbach alfa=0.88). Verilerin analizinde tanımlayıcı istatistikler, bağımsız örneklem t-testi, tek yönlü varyans analizi (ANOVA) ve Tukey HSD post-hoc testi ile Pearson korelasyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Ortalama OVPS puanı 99.61 ± 14.11 olup, öğrencilerin obstetrik şiddet algılarının orta düzeyin üzerinde olduğunu göstermektedir. Sınıf düzeyine (p=0.018), en az bir doğuma tanıklık etme durumuna (p=0.009) ve kadınların ekonomik durumlarına göre farklı muamele gördüklerine inanma değişkenine (p=0.044) göre anlamlı farklar saptanmıştır. Daha genç öğrencilerin algı puanları daha yüksek bulunmuştur (r=-0.283, p=0.002). Sonuç: Ebelik öğrencilerinin obstetrik şiddet algıları orta düzeyin üzerindedir ve sosyodemografik ile deneyimsel faktörlerden etkilenmektedir. Eğitim programlarına saygılı doğum bakımı, insan hakları ve travma bilgisi temelli yaklaşımların entegrasyonu, öğrencilerin farkındalığını güçlendirerek gelecekte obstetrik şiddetin azaltılmasına katkı sağlayabilir.

Keywords

• Eğitim
• Ebelik öğrencileri
• Obstetrik şiddet
• Algı
• Türkiye

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