RESPECT - Systematic Survey on Subjective Birth Experience

Table of contents

1. 1. RESPECT
   2. Principal investigator (PI):
   3. Partner-PI:
   4. Study team
      1. Scientists
      2. Further team members

RESPECT

While most mothers and fathers experience the birth of a child as positive, there is a relevant proportion of parents or parenting partners for whom birth is a negative and sometimes even traumatic event. In addition to various health and socioeconomic factors, the interaction between the woman giving birth, the person accompanying her, and the midwives and gynecologists also plays an important role.

The aim of the RESPECT study ("A Prospective Mixed-Methods-REsearch Project on Subjective Birth Experience and PErson-centred Care in ParenTs and Obstetric Health Care Staff ") is a targeted investigation of the subjective birth experience of (expectant) mothers and their partners before, during and after birth, especially in relation to the role of obstetric staff.

From the beginning of 2023, a total of 1,680 mothers and 880 partners will be surveyed using online questionnaires and telephone interviews (RESPECT_PARENTS). The study team is interested in the subjective birth experience and related factors before, during and after birth (such as mental health, bonding with the child or partnership satisfaction).

Expectant mothers and/or their partners residing in the area of Dresden, Germany, can join this study. Within the scope of the study, 4 assessments will take place (T1: during (late) pregnancy, T2: 8 weeks after childbirth, T3: 6 months after childbirth, T4: 24 months after childbirth). 

Additionally, as part of a sub-study of RESPECT, we will interview 20-30 mothers and partners regarding the role of the obstetric staff on their birth experience in a personal interview (sub-study RESPECT_PARENTS-TALK).

In 2024, obstetric staff will also be surveyed nationwide regarding their own role on the parental birth experience and their knowledge and attitudes regarding person-centered obstetric care (sub-study RESPECT_STAFF).

RESPECT is an interdisciplinary joint project of the MSH Medical School Hamburg (Chair of Epidemiology and Women's & Family Health) and the Medical Faculty of the TU Dresden (Clinic and Polyclinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University Hospital Dresden) in cooperation with the Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational and Social Medicine (IPAS). The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG; Link to project profile).

News about publications, lotteries, and other activities of the RESPECT team can be found under FB7 Publications or on our Facebook-Account Respect Studie, Instagram-Account @respect_studie  or Twitter-Account @GN_ResearchLab.

We look forward to your participation! Those interested are welcome to contact us by phone or email so that we can send you further information.

Contact information

E-Mail address:
Telephone: 0351-458-89306

Our team offers opportunities for research internships as well as doctoral and master’s theses. If you are interested, you can contact Prof. Dr. Garthus-Niegel directly.

Principal investigator (PI):

Partner-PI:

Prof. Dr. med. Pauline Wimberger Clinic and Polyclinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty of the TU Dresden

Study team

Scientists

Further team members