Abstract
Problem
There is limited evidence regarding midwives’ confidence and practices in providing
sexual and reproductive health care in Australia.
Background
Midwives provide important public health education to women regarding sexual and reproductive
health care.
Aim
The aim of this study was to explore midwives’ confidence and practices around providing
education to women on three key areas of sexual and reproductive health: contraception
and family planning; sexual activity; and sexual health.
Methods
A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with responses from n = 164 midwives
(43.1% response rate) working in a public tertiary maternity hospital in Western Australia.
The survey included items measuring confidence; method and frequency of practice.
Open-ended questions captured qualitative data. Data analysis was conducted using
descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative
data.
Findings
There was a significant association between age, years of clinical experience (p =
0.001) and work setting (p = 0.032) on the confidence to provide education on sexual
activity. Most (92.1%) midwives indicated that they wanted further education. Lack
of time, knowledge and language barriers were key factors preventing education.
Discussion
Midwives’ provision of education to women is essential for improving health literacy
and health outcomes. Results reveal the necessity to include sexual and reproductive
health education in entry to registration courses and the importance of continuing
professional development.
Conclusion
Evidence of midwives’ confidence and current practices in the provision of sexual
and reproductive health care offers utility for leaders and educators in midwifery
to prepare and equip midwives to fulfil this important public health role.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 15, 2021
Accepted:
September 7,
2021
Received in revised form:
September 5,
2021
Received:
July 31,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
