The relationship between obstetric violence, postpartum sense of security and loneliness among women

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between obstetric violence, perceived safety, and loneliness among women in the postpartum period. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2025 and February 2026 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Darende Hulusi Efendi State Hospital in Malatya. The study sample consisted of 383 postpartum women who had given birth vaginally or via cesarean section, were within the first 24 hours postpartum, and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Obstetric Violence Scale (OVS), the Mothers' Postpartum Sense of Safety Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings: Overall, 43.1% of the women reported experiencing at least one type of obstetric violence during childbirth. A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between total OVS scores and postpartum safety perception scores (r = −0.150, p < 0.01). Similarly, the abuse and violence subscale (r = -0.141, p < 0.01) and the non-consensual care subscale (r = -0.169, p < 0.01) were negatively associated with postpartum sense of safety. No statistically significant relationship was found between obstetric violence and loneliness (p > 0.05). A moderate negative relationship was found between postpartum sense of security and loneliness (r = −0.475, p < 0.01). Regression analyses indicated that obstetric violence significantly predicted postpartum sense of security (β = −0.202, p<0.001), while income level significantly predicted both postpartum sense of security (β=0.225, p<0.001) and loneliness (β=-0.288, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study findings suggest that violence experienced during childbirth may negatively impact women's postpartum emotional security, while socioeconomic conditions may play a significant role in postpartum psychosocial well-being. Strengthening respectful childbirth care practices and psychosocial support mechanisms may positively contribute to women's postpartum adjustment process and emotional well-being.