Conhecimento das primíparas sobre violência obstétrica: um desafio para enfermagem no pré-natal

Abstract

Obstetric violence constitutes a violation of women’s rights and remains insufficiently recognized, especially among young pregnant women and primipars. The present study aimed to understand the perception of primiparas assisted in Primary Health Care regarding obstetric violence, with specific objectives of analyzing their level of knowledge on the subject and evaluating the role of nursing in providing guidance during prenatal care. This is a field study, descriptive in nature, with a quanti-qualitative approach, conducted with 30 primiparas accompanied in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Picos, Piauí. Data were collected using a structured form containing sociodemographic and clinical variables, as well as open-ended questions about the concept of obstetric violence. The results showed that participants were predominantly young, brown or Black women, with schooling centered on secondary education and family income between one and two minimum wages. It was found that most had limited understanding of obstetric violence, while 23.3% had no prior knowledge, and all women with only elementary education reported being unfamiliar with the concept. The qualitative analysis revealed perceptions related to non-consented procedures, use of physical force, disrespect for legal rights, verbal aggression, and lack of adequate support. It was also identified that many pregnant women did not receive guidance on the topic during prenatal care, indicating important weaknesses in the educational role of nursing. It is concluded that primiparas’ knowledge about obstetric violence is limited and influenced by sociodemographic factors, reinforcing the need to strengthen educational actions and qualify nursing care during prenatal follow-up to promote humanized care and prevent abusive practices.