Effectiveness of obstetric violence awareness training for midwifery retention: A role-playing-based approach

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of obstetric violence awareness training given to midwifery students through role-playing technique on the students' perception level of obstetric violence and midwifery care behaviors. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study with 126 senior students (63 experimental, 63 control) studying midwifery at two public universities during the 2024-2025 academic year. Students in the experimental group received role-playing-based obstetric violence awareness training, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Student Personal Information Form, PercOV-S Q, and CBI-30. The effectiveness of the obstetric violence awareness training was assessed using pretest and posttest measurements. Findings: Before the obstetric violence awareness training, it was determined that the mean PercOV-S Q and CBI-30 scores of the students in the experimental and control groups were similar, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.005). However, after the training, it was determined that the mean PercOV-S Q and CBI-30 scores of the students in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant in favor of the experimental group (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was determined that role play–based awareness training increased the levels of obstetric violence perception and care behaviors among midwifery students. Therefore, it is recommended that active learning methods, particularly role-playing based practices, be expanded in midwifery education programs. Keywords: Role-Playing, Obstetric Violence, Awareness Training, Midwifery